Tianjin Museum hosts House of Savoy 18th-century treasures

An exhibition titled ‘Crown of Glory: 18th Century Italian Court Treasures from the House of Savoy’ is currently being held at the Tianjin Museum in China. Running from February 10 to August 31, the exhibition features over 150 historical artifacts, including coins, paintings, furniture, clothing, and porcelain.

The collection, organized jointly by the Tianjin Museum, the Tianjin Digital Art Museum, and Palazzo Madama in Turin, highlights the cultural exchange between the East and the West during the 18th century. Notably, nearly 30% of the displayed items incorporate Chinese cultural elements, illustrating the impact of the ‘Chinoiserie’ trend that influenced European courts, including that of the House of Savoy in Turin.

Experts noted that during the Enlightenment, Chinese philosophies resonated with European ideals of rationality, while exotic Chinese products became highly sought after in Western societies. The exhibition includes a section titled ‘Splendid Court,’ which showcases the daily refined life of the Savoy nobility through period furniture and court attire.