Deepening understanding through Design China

Italy is one of the first European countries to build trade relations with China. The ancient Silk Road connected the two great civilizations. And some envoys of friendship such as Marco Polo, Matteo Ricci and Giuseppe Castiglione built a bridge of goodwill between the two peoples.

In recent years, the two countries have deepened cooperation in fields such as trade, science and technology, environmental protection and agriculture, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples.

As a cradle of Renaissance in Medieval Europe, Italy has been a pace setter in design, and is synonymous with fashion. Clothing and furniture from Milan are among the best in the world. Italy is home to countless places of historical importance, grand opera houses and theaters, fantastic soccer stadiums and players, gourmet food and fabulous designs.

Italian designs are a perfect combination of the classical and the modern, and occupy a unique position in the world. Chinese designs are gradually becoming prominent thanks to the rapid economic development since the launch of reform and opening-up four decades ago.

Chinese designs share similar concepts with their Italian counterparts in that both attach significance to learning from the distinguished creative ideas of other countries and develop on the basis of their own traditional culture and aesthetics so as to continuously make innovations and create their own special styles and characteristics. No wonder they have been well received both at home and abroad.

“Design China” exhibits more than 100 original works from China, all of which have profound historical and cultural Chinese characteristics. Visitors can see the latest achievements of Chinese design, experience Chinese designers’ creative ideas and craftsmanship, understand Chinese people’s pursuit for a better life and their sense of happiness and sense of gain.

I believe designers and artists from the two countries will take the opportunity to learn from each other’s skills and inspirations, which can promote bilateral cooperation in design and other humanities fields, and make contributions to deepen the understanding and friendship between the two peoples.