The Victoria and Albert Museum in London has opened a major new exhibition celebrating the richness of contemporary Chinese creativity, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern artistic expression.

“Dimensions: Contemporary Chinese Studio Crafts”, which opened on 28 October, is the museum’s first large-scale showcase devoted entirely to contemporary Chinese studio work. Curator Li Xiaoxin spent five years travelling across China to assemble the collection, now displayed alongside the V&A’s historic treasures.

Li hopes visitors will discover “the latest developments, the very creative works that keep coming out [of] China”. Among the highlights is She’s Bestowed Love, a monumental textile sculpture by Lin Fanglu, inspired by the tie-dye traditions she learned while living with the Bai ethnic minority in Yunnan.

The display is arranged to draw in visitors of all ages, with intricate works by established artisans presented alongside bold, inventive pieces by emerging talents. Li says the younger artists’ creations speak to a new generation interested in distinctive, hand-made design, offering a fresh perspective on how craft can evolve. The exhibition runs until 17 September 2026.

Source: China Central Television