BRUSSELS.- In its 32d year of presence in Paris, the Brussels-based Gisèle Croës Gallery will take part in the 2012 edition of the Biennale des Antiquaires with a selection of outstanding objects illustrating the richness and diversity of Chinese culture.

All the objects presented in Paris have been selected as perfect examples, in terms of shape and function, of the various periods or dynasties marking the history of Chinese art.

The central theme in this year's exhibition is underlined in the catalogue published by the Gallery under the title "Matter and Memory".

In Chinese art, the material world (wood, stone, clay) has always been a source of inspiration.

This year Gisèle Croës will again exhibit a number of superb archaic bronze vessels. Over the past three decades, objects of this type have come to be considered the signature pieces of the Gallery.

For this 2012 edition Gisèle Croës has acquired a private collection of archaic bronze vessels which have not been seen since over 20 years and will undoubtedly create much interest.

The Gallery is also presenting some unusual objects; in particular a number of funerary masks, lamps, several objects connected with a Taoist cult; a selection of arms, notably a bronze ceremonial halberd Ge (Han dynasty, 206 BC - AD 220) and a bronze, gold and stone dagger of Scythian origin.

Sculptures will also feature prominently in the exhibition. They include a monumental stone head of a dignitary (Song dynasty, 960-1279) and a white marble Buddha head (Sui dynasty, 581-618).

All the pieces exhibited in Paris have been selected to form a coherent ensemble emphasizing the continuity of artistic inspiration in China over several millenniums.

The objects are displayed in a stylish booth designed by Belgian architect Marc Corbiau, who once again has invented a highly original concept for this exhibition.