Exhibition "The City of Ji'an: Glorious Past & Prosperous Future" was displayed at the Capital Museum from

March 2, 2019 - July 7, 2019 in Beijing.

Here is the review and the introduction:

Foreword

Located in the center of Jiangxi Province, Ji'an City lines both sides of the Gan River. People in ancient times lived and prospered here. The river gave birth to the city, fostered its culture, and infused its inhabitants with great mental vitality. Here, you can discover the Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 BCE) civilization of Dayangzhou, a town in Xingan County; visit the Jizhou Kiln, which has been in use for 500 hundred years; and listen to the sound of chanting of ancient books in Bailuzhou Academy. Here, the revolutionary spirit emerged in the Jinggang Mountain area and was passed down through the generations.

The name "Ji'an" means auspicious, prosperous and a life of peace, reflecting the hope of the ancestors for a good and blessed life. With a history of several thousand years, Ji'an is a shining beacon for civilization in the entire country. And the spirit engendered in the Jinggang Mountain Revolutionary Area is like a beautiful melody marking the progress of modern China.

I. The Land of Great Culture

Today, when looking over Dayangzhou Town in Xingan County, the "north gate" of Ji'an stands proud, the fields with plenty of water and lush grass stretch to the horizon, and everything appears at peace. However, back to September, 1989, a brilliant Bronze Age civilization that had been developed by the Yin-Shang people in the central China was discovered here. "Dayangzhou town, Xingan County" thus achieved fame in national history. The discovery of this lost civilization has revealed a kingdom of mystery and fantasy.

The territory of the kingdom extended far, being steadily influenced by the Shang Dynasty culture of central China. The local culture also reflects the great beauty of the south. Here, branches of various cultures converge, creating a distinct connection between the Yellow River and Yangtze River civilizations in particular.

II. Connecting the South and the North

The Gan is the biggest river flowing south-north in Jiangxi Province, well known since ancient times. As a "golden channel," it is the mother river of Ji'an, giving birth and contributing to the development of the ancient city of Luling (the name of Ji'an in ancient times).

For thousands of years, vessels and boats have operated along the river, their masts lined up like forests; wooden and bamboo rafts also shuttled to and fro. It was a major route to the Yangtze River, enabling easy travel to various places around the country. "With a bag and an umbrella, we venture forth to become entrepreneurs." The people of Luling have long been venturing far and wide to fulfill their dreams and ambitions.

III. Kiln of Thousands of Years

Jizhou kiln was as important as the famed Jingdezhen kiln in the Jiangxi region during the Song and Yuan dynasties (from the 10th to the 14th centuries), and was unparalleled at the time for its black glazed porcelain. Its production method is characterized by a pursuit for naturalness, with an integration of the techniques of other kilns and the spirit of Buddhism and Confucianism, while also learning skills from various craftsmen throughout the country. Using the advantage of Gan River, the products of the kiln could be shipped for sale across the country, with their reputation even spreading overseas.

The unique natural resources, profound cultural accumulation and intelligence of Luling people combined to create the great Jizhou kiln. Its innovative ability was unparalleled among various folk kilns, leaving an indelible mark on Chinese porcelain history.

IV. Talents of Luling

Since its foundation as Luling County in the 25th year of the First Emperor of Qin (222 BCE) after he defeated the kingdom of Chu, it possesses a history of more than two thousand years. Nurtured by a brilliant cultural atmosphere, talents have been emerging from generation to generation, making it an influential cultural base of the Gan River basin and the Jiangxi region. Supported by the profound Confucian traditions and local humanistic characters of integrity and loyalty, the local "Luling culture" characterized by "emphasizing on both talent and integrity" has had profound impact on the progress of Chinese history and civilization.

V. The Cradle of Revolution

The Jinggang mountain range was a cradle of Chinese revolution. Here, with combination of the general principle of Marxism and the practices of Chinese revolution, the Chinese communists represented by Mao Zedong founded the "armed independent regime of workers and peasants." The first rural revolutionary base was established here, the mode of "surrounding the cities from the countryside and seizing power by armed forces" was created here; and the spirit of the Jinggang Mountain Revolutionary Area formed here, which is a valuable treasure left by the period. Adapting to the conditions of the new era, we have to firmly adhere to the pursuit of ideals, seek truth from facts and explore new paths, work hard to overcome difficulties, and turn to the people for assistance and support, thus integrating the spirit of the new era with that of the Jinggang Mountain Revolutionary Area. The Jinggang mountain range is the eternal spiritual home for Chinese Communists and the base of the great beginning of the Sinicization of Marxism.

Epilogue

As time passes by, through sublimation and sedimentation of the ages, the history of Ji'an has suffused its soul and veins. Look back to the past, the county of Ji'an has been unparalleled in ancient times; Stay true to the original mission, it will follow the calling of the new era. On the 70th birthday of the People's Republic of China, in the name of Ji'an, we offer wishes of good luck and peace to our country and well-being and happiness to our people!