Speech by Ambassador Tan Jian at the Opening Ceremony of
“Majiayao Echoes” Exhibition
(Delft Church, 14 May )
Honorable Mayor, Mrs. Marja van Bijsterveldt,
Respected Ms. Simone Haak,
Dear Artists and Friends,
Ladies and gentlemen,
(I think I understand my previous speakers, who talked about Majiayao, our friendship. I wish I could speak in Dutch. Please allow me to make my remarks in English. )
My best greetings to all of you.
It is my great pleasure to attend this event, themed on ceramics.
You know I am from China, ambassador of China to the Netherlands.
How can I miss this exhibition.
I arrived in the Netherlands on 25th December, 2020. When I set foot on this land, getting out of the plane, taking a rest at the Airport lounge, I saw the porcelains in blue and white. The colour, the painting, the shape, were very Chinese.
My colleagues told me they were made in the NL, called the Delft blue.
I felt at home.
That was my first impression, Delft, China -- and the closeness, ...
Now I am with you, in Delft, at this historic church. (I see so many canals in Delft and the rest of the country. I came from that part of China where there are a lot of rivers and canals. I don’t feel I am a foreigner here. )
I wish to thank Mrs. van Bijsterveldt for the warm welcome speech, and thank Ms. Haak for organizing this “Majiayao Echoes” Exhibition.
My thanks also go to the artists for your wonderful works.
I am more than delighted that the Exhibition “Majiayao Echoes” is taking place this year.
It was on May 18th 1972 that China and the Netherlands established their diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level. In just four days time, our two countries will observe the the 50th Anniversary.
For 50 years, our cooperation has been deepening and widening. Taking trade as an example. The trade volume between China and the Netherlands has risen from less than US$69 million in 1972 to US$116.4 billion in 2021, an increase of nearly 1,700 times.
But I wish to say, first, our exchanges and relations go long before 1972.
Over 400 years ago, the maritime silk road linked our two peoples. Porcelain, tea, silk and other Chinese products were introduced to Europe through the Dutch merchant vessels.
Secondly, our relations are more than trade. It is called “open and pragmatic partnership for comprehensive cooperation”. And culture plays an very important part in this partnership.
It is about the mutual appreciation of each other’s civilizations.
Many Dutch people are fans of Chinese culture. The most famous Chinese classic novel, the Dream of the Red Chamber, was translated into Dutch recently and immediately became a best seller.
Vincent van Gogh is a house-hold name in China.
Coming back to Delft, the exchanges between Delfa and Jingdezhen -- the porcelain capital in China -- via the Maritime Silk Road could be traced back to the 16th century. They are sister cities.
Last year, Prince William Museum in Delft successfully held the Exhibition "One Thousand Years of Jingdezhen".
This exhibition, Majiayao Echoes, offers us an opportunity to appreciate the artists’ works created at Majiayao site.
Majiayao culture emerged in the late Neolithic Age, over 5,700 years ago. It is known for its craftsmanship in painted pottery.
Your works, inspired by Majiayao culture, give us an amazing opportunity to understand and appreciate our ancestors, and set a fine example of travel through time and intercultural dialogue across civilizations
China and Europe are the two major civilizations promoting human progress.
I envy you artists, as you have all been to Majiayao. I have not yet.
But I will, hopefully in the not far away future.
Dear friends,
I am optimistic about the relations between our two countries, not only because there is no fundamental conflict of interest, also because there are many people like you who love the Chinese culture.
Ancient beauty and wisdom from Majiayao culture are inspiring.
I am looking forward to more open dialogues and cultural exchange between us.
I know there are artists from countries other than Dutch. I wish to say, China has good relations with your countries as well. Thank you for your interest in the Chinese culture, thank you for you contribution to the relations between China and your country.
I wish the Exhibition a great success!
Thank you!