The Chinese Paravent: Colonialism in German Living Rooms

Tea sets, paravents, spears and shields – even if today’s heirs were not involved in their acquisition or theft, these artefacts are inextricably linked to German colonial history.

Nicola Kuhn researched the stories behind numerous artefacts that are not in state museums today, but in German living rooms.

Brought to Europe as trophies or mementos by missionaries, soldiers, settlers or traders, each object always conceals the tragedy of an occupied country and its people. How do we deal with this heritage and its history?

+ a conversation with provenance researcher Christine Howald ……..