The UK Tsinghua Association (UKTA), in collaboration with the Asia Society France and Waddington Custot Gallery, is delighted to present a special conversation event titled “The Indefinable Jiang Qiong Er”, to be held on Saturday, 8 November 2025, at Waddington Custot Gallery, London.

This event will explore the artistic journey of Jiang Qiong Er, focusing on her remarkable achievements as a “cultural ambassador” who bridges China and France, as well as the wider international art and design community. It will also reflect on how members of the Chinese diaspora contribute to cross-cultural understanding and collaboration, bringing unique creativity and vision to the global stage.

Organisers

UK Tsinghua Association (UKTA)

Asia Society France

Waddington Custot

Date & Time

Saturday, 8 November 2025

16:00 – 18:30

Venue

Waddington Custot

11-12 Cork Street
London W1S 3LT

Programme

16:00 – 16:10 Guest Registration

16:10 – 16:30 Private Gallery Tour

Guided by Jiang Qiong Er

Welcome Remarks by Carmen Hu

(Head of Business Development, Asia, Waddington Custot)

16:30 – 16:40 Art Presentation: Nüshu Cryptograms

Presented by Wen Cui

(Asia Society France)

16:40 – 17:20 Conversation with Jiang Qiong Er

Guest: Jiang Qiong Er

In conversation with Gao Yuan

(Vice President and Secretary-General, UKTA)

17:20 – 17:40 Audience Q&A

17:40 – 18:30 Drink Reception

Waddington Custot

Featured Speakers

Portrait of Jiang Qiong Er, 2024. Image Courtesy Waddington Custot.

蒋琼耳 Jiang Qiong Er

Jiang Qiong Er (b.1976, Shanghai, China) is an interdisciplinary artist working at the crossroads of art and design. Qiong Er’s practice draws on China’s centuries-old craftsmanship traditions, blending them with contemporary aesthetics and techniques. Born into a family of artists and creators, from the age of six, Qiong Er was taught traditional ink painting and calligraphy by renowned Chinese masters, Cheng Shi Fa and Han Tian Heng. After graduating from Tongji University’s design school, Qiong Er studied furniture and interior design at the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, pursuing her career as a painter alongside this. In 2009, she co-founded Shang Xia, a contemporary lifestyle brand, in partnership with Hermès, serving as artistic director for ten years. During the same period, the French government recognised her contribution to cultural exchanges between China and France, appointing her a Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres de la République Française in 2013. In 2016, Qiong Er was also named Chevalier dans l’Ordre National du Mérite de la République Française. For her work towards the cultural integration between China and Italy, Qiong Er was awarded Cavaliere dell‘ Ordine della Stella della Solidarietà Italiana by the Italian government in 2023. Qiong Er’s art and design work is part of prestigious collections, including The British Museum, London; The Victoria and Albert Museum, London; the Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences, Sydney; the permanent collection of UNESCO, Paris; and the Shanghai Museum East.

崔文 Wen Cui

Asia Society France

胡诗彤 Carmen Hu

Head of Business Development, Asia, 

Waddington Custot

高远 Dr. Yuan Gao

Vice President and Secretary-General of the UK Tsinghua Association

Registration

The event warmly welcomes Tsinghua alumni in the UK, friends of Tsinghua, and members of the broader community to participate.

Admission is free of charge. Please scan the QR code or click “Read More” to register via the Eventbrite platform. Registration will close at 24:00 (UK time) on 7 November.

Each confirmed participant may bring one guest. We look forward to welcoming you on 8 November at Waddington Custot Gallery, London, for an immersive journey of art and ideas.

全英清华校友会