China's intangible heritage shines in Milan

The 2025 Reviving Craft — China's Intangible Cultural Heritage and Contemporary Design exhibition has drawn crowds to the Palazzo Serbelloni in Milan, Italy since it opened on Oct 3.

This 10-day cultural event was jointly organized by Sun Media Group and the Italy China Council Foundation under the theme "A Narrative of Social Life". It has brought together 108 masterpieces by 41 outstanding Chinese and international artists and 15 participating institutions, building up a space where past and present, the East and the West, and craftsmanship and emotion converge.

As this year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Italy, the exhibition also reflects the profound achievements of the long-standing cultural exchanges between the two countries.

Featured exhibits and brands include signature ICH items from Guojiao 1573, Bolian Pu'er Tea and Suzhou Silk Museum. They integrate the millennial heritage of intangible craftsmanship with modern aesthetics, offering global audiences a direct interpretation of the innovative pathways and enduring charm of China's ICH.

"Crafts are vehicles of ideas. These works not only showcase ancient craftsmanship but also reinterpret Eastern aesthetics through contemporary language, presenting both a global vision and an innovative spirit. They offer space and a medium for social interactions and emotional connections, allowing us to catch glimpses of ourselves through the mirror of culture," says Yang Lan, chairperson of Sun Media Group and co-curator of the exhibition.

"China and Italy have shared rich and enduring exchanges in intangible cultural heritage, trade, and culture since ancient times. The 'Reviving Craft' exhibition is a meeting of emotions and a resonance of the spirit that transcends time and space," Yang adds.

Liu Kan, consul general of China in Milan, states that although China and Italy are separated by great distances, speak different languages, and come from distinct cultural backgrounds, both civilizations are equally ancient and splendid, enriched by the wisdom and craftsmanship of our peoples.

"This exhibition brings together over 100 outstanding Chinese and Italian ICH works, using artificial intelligence and multimedia technology to re-create immersive scenes. In doing so, it breathes new vitality into intangible cultural heritage and imbues ancient civilizations with contemporary meaning," Liu says.