“Things Chinese” in Italian Museum Displays: Exploring Visibility

Abstract

AbstractThis article examines how displays of artifacts work as materialized representations of cultural identities. In particular, I consider how the treatment of Chinese and Chinese‐inspired artifacts in Italian museums is linked to the history and features of the museums themselves. The main factors that affect how these objects are perceived and displayed can be summarized as the degree of harmonization of the artifacts with the rest of the display; the bond between the museum and its geographical and sociocultural settings; the role and status of the museum; curatorial policy and agenda; and the availability of space, staff, and funds. In all cases, the engagement of the exhibits with these elements determines the approach toward ideas of China embodying the sense of history, memory, and identity that each venue aims at conveying. [China, Italy, museums, identity, perception, representation]