One artifact — a child's long coat — exemplifies the vibrancy of such cross-cultural relations. The garment, which is part of the collection of the Stibbert Museum in Florence, is believed to have come from the Ottoman Empire in the late 17th century as it is based on a classic Turkish caftan cut, but its luxurious blue silk fabric brocaded with gold and silver thread is of Italian manufacture. Meanwhile, its brown floral-patterned lining was likely made in India or Persia, and its collar and button designs are apparently Chinese.

Indeed, the jewelry, glassware, clothing, carpets and textiles that had been traded along the Silk Road and that are on show at the exhibition are testament to the enduring exchange between Europe and Asia, according to the organizers of the exhibition.

As this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union, and the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Italy, the exhibition will help deepen bilateral relations, Ambrosetti said.

"Today, just as seven centuries ago, cultural exchange between Italy and China continues to flourish, sustained by a shared awareness of the profound significance of the bridge that Marco Polo, through his extraordinary journey, helped build," he said. "The intellectual journey inherent in the exhibition will serve as a further stimulus to renew the commitment in Italy and China to cultivate mutual understanding."

The exhibition will run until July 31.

Contact the writer at chenye@chinadaily.com.cn