Exhibition «Far Eastern Gambit: The Fate of the Emperor»

About exhibition

The exhibition illuminates the complex history of relations between Russia (the USSR), China, and Japan in the late 19th to the first half of the 20th century. The main emphasis is on the histories of the USSR and China as a clear example of how the two states overcame political and economic hardships. It shows the interaction between Chinese and Russians even during difficult periods of state-level confrontation: the assistance of Chinese internationalists during the Russian Civil War and World War II (the Great Patriotic War). The influence of Russian culture on northern China is shown through employees of the Chinese Eastern Railway (CER) and emigrants. The USSR's assistance to various political regimes in China in repelling Japanese aggression and in building industry is also presented. A common thread running through these epochal events is the fate of Puyi in his various roles: from emperor to gardener. Historical objects were used to create the exhibition: banknotes and coins, uniforms and equipment (which can be tried on), household items, and furniture.