Exchanges between the Forbidden City and the Palace of Versailles in the Early Qing Dynasty

[New Sancai Compilation and First Release] To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France, a Sino-French co-produced documentary film "Kangxi and Louis XIV" will be screened at the 10th French Chinese Film Festival in May 2024.

"Kangxi and Louis XIV" mainly tells the story of more than 300 years ago, French King Louis XIV sent six "King's Mathematicians" to China to actively interact with Emperor Kangxi, thereby opening up the science and technology, commerce, and ideological culture of the two countries. and many other aspects of communication.

"Kangxi and Louis XIV" is divided into three chapters: science and technology, commerce, and ideology and culture. It systematically displays many little-known historical materials, such as the "Comprehensive Map of the Imperial Palace" completed with the help of French scientists during the Kangxi period. , this is China’s first map with modern scientific significance. There are many precious cultural relics on display in the film, especially Kangxi's original work "The Holy Ancestor Counts Grass", which is the first time it has been publicly authorized to be displayed.

△ In 1685, Louis XIV (right) sent French Jesuits to meet Emperor Kangxi (left).

△ Nanjing Exposition (1761). Palace of Versailles.

△ Set of three egg-shaped vases (c. 1775-76); Collection of the Palace of Versailles.

△ Pocket watch, possibly a gift from Louis XIV to Emperor Kangxi. Collection of the Palace Museum, Beijing.

△ Coffee pot, circa 1680, Collection of the Palace of Versailles

△ Perfume fountain, Jingdezhen, early Qianlong period, Versailles collection

△ Goniometer, made in France, collected by the Palace Museum in Beijing

△ Fragment of the French national emblem on Louis XV’s valet’s uniform, China, Collection of the Palace of Versailles

(Compiled by: Bai Ding)

(Editor: Jiang Qiming)

(Source of the article: Compiled and published by New Sancai)