Image reproduced from 民視新聞網

Kaohsiung's Li Ceramics Museum will grandly launch a new exhibition this weekend (July 12), inviting audiences to rediscover the legendary intersection of love and art in the French court of the 18th century through an exhibition titled 'Ceramic Unboxing'. The focal point of the exhibition is a pair of exquisite ceramic plates depicting the portraits of King Louis XV and his beloved Madame de Pompadour, which are being unveiled to the public for the first time. The exhibition opens on the eve of Bastille Day, symbolizing a heartfelt tribute to the cultural and romantic spirit of France's golden age.

This rare large plate is adorned with a pink crackle glaze trim, with a central meticulously hand-painted portrait surrounded by gold-painted crowns and Rococo-style floral motifs. The delicate artistry and outstanding elegance showcase the dignity and refined beauty of 18th-century royal art. The museum will unveil it with a 'ribbon-cutting' ceremony format, allowing the audience to experience the act of opening a piece of history and participate in a love story that spans over three centuries.

Madame de Pompadour was not only the most intimate lover of King Louis XV but also an important proponent of Rococo aesthetics. Captivating the heart of this renowned seducer with her unparalleled charm and deep cultural insights, she assisted him in promoting artistic policies and injected crucial energy into the rise of the Sèvres Royal Porcelain factory. In addition to the main plates, the exhibition also features numerous exquisite pieces from the Sèvres factory collection, including gold-embellished tea sets, portrait plaques, and ornate vases, fully showcasing the splendor of porcelain art in courtly life.

The Li Ceramics Museum stated that this exhibition, 'Ceramic Unboxing', aims to encourage viewers on a summer afternoon not only to appreciate the craftsmanship of the artworks but also to feel the historical emotions and cultural context embedded within. In the interplay of porcelain's light and shadow, audiences can experience a French love fable that transcends time and art.