Exhibition Showcases Ancient Chinese Ceramics and Maritime Trade at NMoQ

Doha:Qatar Museums (QM) is set to unveil "Boats Floating Afar: The Maritime Trade of Ancient Chinese Ceramics" at the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) on October 26, 2026. According to Qatar News Agency, the exhibition is part of the Qatar-China 2016 Year of Culture legacy and will feature over 120 objects from the National Museum of China, alongside select pieces from QM's own collections. It explores more than a millennium of Chinese ceramic production and maritime trade from the Tang to Qing dynasties (618-1911 CE) and will be open to the public until February 15, 2027. The exhibition includes vessels, bowls, plates, and jars that illustrate the evolution of Chinese ceramics and their maritime routes. Items such as Tang dynasty white-glazed wares, Southern Song and Yuan ceramics, Ming blue-and-white porcelain, and Qing dynasty pieces highlight changes in techniques and the growing influence of international markets. Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Hamad Al-Thani, Director of the National Museum of Qatar, mentioned that the exhibition marks a decade since the Qatar-China 2016 Year of Culture and is the latest collaboration between the National Museum of Qatar and the National Museum of China. Earlier this year, the National Museum of China showcased Qatar's "On the Move" exhibition in Beijing. Luo Wenli, Director of the National Museum of China, emphasized the role of Chinese ceramics in fostering international exchanges since the Tang Dynasty. The exhibition aims to deepen cultural understanding and strengthen ties between the two nations. Highlighted in the exhibition are ceramics from significant production centers such as Jingdezhen, Longquan, and Dehua. It concludes with installations featuring artifacts connected to the Cirebon shipwreck in Indonesia and Chinese pottery fragments discovered in Qatar, adding a local perspective to the history of maritime trade. This exhibition is part of Qatar Creates Fall/Winter 2026-27 season, reflecting Qatar's dedication to cultural exchange and global dialogue.