The Zhenjiang Museum, constructed in 1958, consists of a group of five East Indian garden style buildings. It houses more than 30,000 Chinese historical relics, from the Neolithic Age to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), and over 100,000 ancient books. Among them are one national treasure, and some 70 first class national cultural relics. The museum's main exhibits are Western Zhou Dynasty (c.11th century-771 B.C.) bronze wares, celadon from the Six Dynasties (220-589), gold and silver wares from the Tang, Song, Yuan and Ming dynasties, and works of calligraphy and paintings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. These exhibits constitute a tribute to the history of this ancient east China town.
Plate with polychrome design of phoenix and the eight Buddhist emblems (Qing Dynasty).
Celadon jar with modeled acrobatic figures and winged bird (Wu State of Three Kingdoms). Primitive porcelain pot with eggs inside (Spring and Autumn Period). Gilt silver tortoise carrying a candle-shaped tube with inscriptions of "The Analects of Confucius" (Tang Dynasty).
Chinese bronze wares are national and world treasures. Those from different regions each have their distinct characteristics. Zhenjiang bronze wares are small and, with their simple designs and patterns, refined. The museum's phoenix patterned Zun (a kind of ancient wine vessel) is a national treasure. Its body is imposing and heavy, and the phoenix motif decorating the vessel adds vitality to its stately magnificence.
A bird-lidded cover hu (wine pot) with stylized animal mask design is another of the museum's treasures. It is 49 cm tall, and its lid is fashioned in the form of a bird in flight, the intention being to attract the attention of the imbiber, and to give this heavy vessel a lighter aspect. It is said that there was still liquid in this vessel when it was unearthed, making it precious beyond measure.
A 5-piece Song Dynasty clay sculpture set depicts five boys. The sculpture was not glazed but subtly painted so as to emphasize the innocence, intelligence, and essential vitality of these children. One boy has fallen to the ground, but seems unworried. The second one lies prone, his rump proudly raised. The third looks to be acting as referee, as the fourth squats comfortably, and the fifth looks on with folded arms. Seals denoting the craftsmen's name, place and time of production were clearly visible when these sculptures were unearthed, adding further to the set's historical and cultural value.
The Zhenjiang Museum carries on regular exchange activities. It has held exhibitions in Beijing, such as the Zhenjiang Cultural Relics Exhibition, the Wu Culture Archaeological Discovery Exhibition, the Tang Dynasty Gold and Silver Wares Exhibition, the Zhenjiang Ancient Costume and Silk Exhibition, and the Ancient Yangtze River Treasure Exhibition.It has also been involved in exhibitions held in other cities in China and abroad, thus helping to promote China's cultural exchanges with other countries.
Address: 85, Boxian Road, Zhenjiang City, Jiangsu Province
Admission: 10 Yuan
Daily opening hours: 8:30 -- 12:00
13:30 - 17:00
(China Today January 9, 2003)
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