Modern Zhejiang evolved from the ancient Yue Guo, which dates back thousands of years. Today, Zhejiang still has Yue characteristics. Several archaeological sites have been unearthed within the province, providing clues about how the Yue people lived throughout history.
Some of Yue’s etiquette rules and ships have had a long-lasting impact on Zhejiang local culture throughout the dynasties. An exhibition showcasing Yue culture is underway at the Zhejiang Museum’s Wulin Pavilion, giving visitors the chance to appreciate these rare relics.
The exhibition, which runs until November 30, consists of five sections from the Neolithic period to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), and features 148 sets of ancient artifacts unearthed by more than 40 archaeological institutions and museums. relics will be on display.
The first section is mainly a showcase Yukon (Jade 琮) From the Neolithic period. Yukon, or cylindrical jade ware engraved with patterns of mythical creatures, are the epitome of Zhejiang’s Liangzhu civilization. The shape symbolizes the orbit of the Sun and Moon in Liangzhu.
The Liangzhu Ruins in Hangzhou’s Yuhang District contains artifacts dating from 3300 to 2300 BC. It is the first Neolithic city discovered in the lower Yangtze basin.
Many mythical creature motifs appear Yukon From the Liangzhu Ruins. Archaeologists believe it has religious significance. Yukon It is used as a vessel for rituals.
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Yukon Found on Sanxingdui Relic Site
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Yukon Found at the Liangzhu Ruins
Exhibits are also displayed Yukon It was discovered at the Maqiaoxia site in Guangdong and the Sanxingdui site in Sichuan. Ancestors of both lands Yukon But we replaced the pattern with a totem of our own beliefs. This is evidence of cultural exchange thousands of years ago.
there is YukonCeladon porcelain made in the Song dynasty (960-1127).In this era, such YukonVessels such as were used as ceremonial objects of royal etiquette and worship.ceramic Yukon It proved the production of Longquan kiln in Zhejiang region under the management and supervision of the royal palace, and boosted the development of Longquan porcelain.
During the Spring and Autumn Period (770 BC-476 BC), Yue developed as the Yue Kingdom, which mainly covered the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. The bronze sword on display symbolizes the kingdom of Yue, the pinnacle of ancient swordsmithing.
At the exhibition, visitors will have a rare opportunity to see the country’s top treasure, Yue Wang Zhio Bao.
2000 years later, the sword still glows and is made of a copper-tin alloy with a high copper content. Both sides of the handle are engraved with ancient texts called tomushi-in. One side is translated as “Rakuo” and the other side is translated as “Zhezhiyushi”, the name of the king.
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Insect seal calligraphy of Rakuo Tetsuno Jade Sword dating back to the Spring and Autumn period
To conserve metal for weapons, the Yue people replaced their bronze ceremonial vessels with ceramic vessels, which gave rise to the development of porcelain.
The Ashoka Stupa also contains the aesthetics of the Viet culture. This exhibition displays a large number of Ashoka stupas excavated from Leifeng Pagoda.
Standing on Leifeng Peak of Yuyang Mountain south of West Lake, Leifeng Pagoda is an eight-sided, five-story pagoda. Once the tower is open to visitors, its underground palace is off-limits.
According to historical sources, Leifeng Pagoda was built by Qian Chu, the emperor of Wuyue State (now Zhejiang Province) during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period.
During construction, a trove of Buddhist scriptures, statues, and other treasures was placed in the underground palace, where it remained for over 1,000 years.
Emperor Qian Chu built numerous Ashoka stupas that started a trend throughout China. Thanks to the monk ambassador, a similar pagoda was found in Japan. According to the exhibition, most of the stupas were built during the Qian Emperor period.
A highlight is the silver Aso Pagoda, which is divided into three sections. The pedestal is embossed with Buddha and Bodhi trees, and the body is decorated with quatrefoils inscribed with Buddhist stories. The last section is columns.
According to historical sources, Emperor Qianchu built this pagoda when he built Leifeng Pagoda.
Many of today’s most famous Buddhist sites in Zhejiang, such as Liuhe Pagoda, Yanxia Grottoes, Lingyin Temple, and Jingzi Temple, were built during this period.
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Many Ashoka stupas excavated from Leifeng Pagoda are on display, introducing the aesthetics of Yue culture.
Early music exhibition
Date: Until November 30 (closed on Mondays)
Venue: Wulin Pavilion, Zhejiang Provincial Museum
Address: Zone E, West Lake Cultural Plaza, 581 Zhongshan Road North.
No. 581 Zhongshan North Road, Section E, West Lake Culture Square