A new exhibition at the China Cultural Centre in Valletta is celebrating Chinese craftsmanship and cultural heritage. Its launch on June 10 also coincided with the first International Day for Dialogue Between Civilisations.
Adorning Eternity: The Art of Filigree Inlay Jewelry showcases the exquisite Chinese art form that dates back over 2,000 years and has been recognised as part of China’s intangible cultural heritage since 2008.
On display are a range of intricately crafted pieces, including works adorned with motifs of fish and butterflies, as well as abstract patterns and fantastical designs that highlight the boundless creativity of Chinese artisans.
Guests at the launch event also had the rare opportunity to try their hands at basic filigree techniques, gaining a tactile appreciation for the complexity of the art.
Yuan Yuan, director of the China Cultural Centre in Malta, described the exhibition as the result of a meaningful collaboration with the Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA), China’s leading institution for fine arts. She praised CAFA for combining academic excellence with a dynamic approach to heritage − preserving traditional craftsmanship while fostering innovation.
”Filigree speaks a universal language that brings people closer together”
Filigree, she noted, with its intricate beauty and enduring grace, reflects the spirit of cultural dialogue the exhibition aims to inspire across borders and generations.
Lvu Pinjing, vice president of CAFA and director of the Architecture Art Committee of the China Artists Association, highlighted filigree inlay as one of the “Eight wonders of Yangjing”− Beijing’s historic name − and traced its journey from imperial courts to everyday adornment.
He emphasised CAFA’s commitment to revitalising traditional arts through education, innovation and global exchange, noting the parallels between Chinese and Maltese craftsmanship, both deeply rooted in their respective civilisations.
Elton Micallef, CEO of the Malta Crafts Foundation, highlighted the special significance of the opening of the Adorning Eternity exhibition on the first-ever International Day for Dialogue Among Civilisations, as proclaimed by the United Nations.
He noted that the occasion reflects the vital role of culture, heritage and craftsmanship in connecting people across continents, generations and worldviews.
Micallef welcomed the collaboration as a meaningful platform for cultural exchange and spoke of the strong shared values between Chinese and Maltese artisans, expressing optimism for future partnerships.
Yue JieQiong, one of the curators of the exhibition and a leading figure at CAFA and the Imperial Ancestral Temple Art Museum, guided attendees through the exhibition’s aesthetic themes and historical references. She spoke of the Rohdea japonica, an evergreen plant with over 7,000 years of symbolic resonance in Chinese culture, often represented in ancient art and filigree designs.
Zhang Fan, a curator of the exhibition and professor of jewellery design at CAFA, contributed to the discussion during the audience’s Q&A, noting the growing popularity of filigree design in China.
She shared that many CAFA graduates have successfully launched their own brands, achieving strong sales both domestically and internationally, demonstrating the continued relevance and commercial appeal of this traditional craft in contemporary markets.
Also present for the event was Maltese artisan Mark Borg, who began his journey in filigree at the age of 13. He said he felt inspired to see Chinese artists alongside Maltese artisans like himself dedicated to both preserving and innovating this ancient art form.
He described the pieces on display as “elegant and inspirational”, noting that behind each work lies not only exquisite craftsmanship, but also a deep sense of connection.
“Filigree,” he said, “speaks a universal language that brings people closer together.”
Adorning Eternity: The Art of Filigree Inlay Jewelry is open at the China Cultural Centre in Valletta until June 29. Admission is free. Visiting hours are Monday to Friday, from 9.30am to noon and 1 to 4pm.