A NEW exhibition titled “Reflections of Maritime Connections: 16th–19th Century Sino-Portuguese Cultural Exchange” has opened at the Macao Museum of Art (MAM).

Divided into three sections including “Dawn of the Porcelain Road”, “Cultural Exchange in Porcelain” and “Dialogues Between Courts”, the exhibition features a selection of 177 precious items/sets, systematically showcasing the profound trade and cultural ties established between China and Portugal through the Maritime Silk Road during the 16th to 19th centuries. It also highlights the amicable exchanges between the Qing (1644-1911) court and the Portuguese royal family, as well as the important role of Macao as a bridge in the Sino-Portuguese exchanges.

The exhibition brings together the precious collections from cultural institutions in China and Portugal. Notable collection highlights include the Blue-and-white lidded jar featuring a brocade pattern from the Yongle Emperor’s reign of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) (collection of the Palace Museum) and the Porcelain kendi with underglaze blue painted decoration in phoenix from the Ming Dynasty (collection of the National Museum of Ancient Art), which are particularly unique and exemplify a beautiful blend of Chinese and Western cultural elements. Other exceptional artefacts include porcelains with Portuguese coats of arms from the Museum of the Orient under the auspice of the Orient Foundation, rare illustrated document from the “Great Yellow Roll” (imperial edict) preserved at the Ajuda Library, and exported porcelain shards unearthed in Macao. All of the artefacts possess immense historical and artistic value, guiding visitors to transcend the time and space across four centuries, while allowing them to experience tangible artefacts and spiritual essence of Sino-Portuguese cultural fusion.

A series of events delving further into the artefacts’ historical context are held during the exhibition. The Macao Chinese Orchestra will perform on Dec. 21 at the exhibition hall, interpreting the beauty of Sino-Portuguese cultural exchange through music.

Jointly organized by IC and the Palace Museum, with support from the National Museum of Ancient Art, the Orient Foundation and the Ajuda Library, “Reflections of Maritime Connections” runs until March 8, 2026. Free guided tours in Cantonese are available on weekends and public holidays.

MAM is open Tuesday-Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., including public holidays. Admission is free.

(SD-Agencies)