Chinese schilderijen en meubels uit de verzameling van Emil Riebeck, op de binnenplaats van het Kunstgewerbemuseum in Berlijn 1884

This is a photograph by Hermann Rückwardt, documenting an exhibition of Chinese paintings and furniture from Emil Riebeck's collection at the Kunstgewerbemuseum in Berlin. In this scene, we see an abundance of objects, each carrying its own story of making, materials, and cultural exchange. The furniture pieces, likely crafted from precious hardwoods using intricate joinery, speak to the skill of generations of Chinese artisans. Similarly, the paintings, rendered with delicate brushstrokes on silk or paper, highlight the refined techniques of traditional Chinese art. The exhibition itself reflects the growing interest in non-Western cultures during the late 19th century. But it also hints at the complex dynamics of colonialism and trade that fueled the acquisition of these objects. What labor went into the production of these items? What processes did they go through to arrive in Europe? Considering the materials, making, and context of these objects allows us to appreciate their beauty while also acknowledging the social and economic forces that shaped their creation and circulation.