Shanghai Museum

Introduction 

The Shanghai Museum is located in Huangpu District at the People's Square right at the center of Shanghai. It is a large museum of ancient Chinese art, wisdom and philosophy. Its exterior design takes the shape of a round dome representing heaven and a square base that symbolizes a squared land.

The museum is divided into eleven galleries and three exhibition halls. The eleven galleries display Ancient Sculpture, Calligraphy, Ancient Bronze, Ancient Ceramics, Ancient Jade, Paintings, Ming and Qing Furniture, Coins, Seals and Minority Nationalities.

Things to see and do on a visit

Bronze 

The bronze ware of the Zhou and Shang dynasties contribute to the learning of ancient civilization with over 400 pieces of exquisite bronze wares. Tourists can learn and see the rich culture of bronze. Visitors can see Da Ke Ding (food vessel) originally from Shaanxi province measuring 93.1cm high and weighing 201.5kg with 3 hoof feet. It is a symbol of power and social level whose surface bears inscriptions of 290 characters giving the vessel essential respectable status being one of the only two biggest round bronze Dings with inscriptions in China. In addition to this, there are smooth and excellent carvings of beast faces and curly lines. Da Ke Ding is used for the study of the economy and history of the West Zhou dynasty.

There is an Ox-shaped Zun (Wine Vessel) is a unique and rare vessel for heating liquor because of its descriptive shape of an imposing and strong ox. It was made during the late Autumn and Spring periods between 699 BC and 476 BC. The vessel combines heating and filling liquor and is the only one found in the Shanghai Museum.  

In the museum, there are also bronze relics such as a vessel for measuring volume known as Fangsheng of Shangyang displaying the advancement of ancient Chinese in mathematics and instrument manufacture. There is an old water container called Pan of Zi Zhong Jiang with sculptures of birds, fishes, turtles and frogs.

Ceramics 

Another treasure in the museum is the ancient ceramics collection. Visitors can appreciate over 500 pieces of ceramics like the grey pottery from the Neolithic Age. Celadon or tri-colored glazed potteries of the Shang, Zhou and Warring states of the Han and Tang Dynasty. Blue, white and black glazed painted porcelain from the Song, Jin and Liao, and the brilliant works from Jingdezhen, Jiangxi which was the center of the industry during the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. The beauty of fire and clay on the displays in addition to uniquely shaped works such as the Celadon Li shaped Censer and a masterpiece from Longquan kiln that represents high skill sets of celadon from ancient China. The Celadon Begonia in the shape of a Bowl from Yue kiln in Tang dynasty looks like a full blooming begonia flower. An olive vase with a peach pattern, known as a Peerless Treasurable Vase, has fresh pink peaches growing on vigorous light green branches with perfectly ordered blossoms in color yellow and rose. The Figure Playing Lute created from Sichuan displays a relaxed and satisfied player who is enchanted by the sound of music.

Paintings 

The museum is home to over 120 pieces of outstanding works of Chinese paintings from renowned artists from the Tang dynasty to modern times. Visitors can see authentic work such as Mr. Sun’s silk painting work from the Tang dynasty displaying multiple techniques and undivided efforts. There are also fancy paintings and vivid pieces all over the museum to amuse visitors. 

Calligraphy 

Shanghai Museum has a unique collection of works of calligraphy from thousands of years ago to the Qing dynasty to allow visitors with the opportunity to appreciate the brilliant writing of all styles. For instance, Ya Tou Wan Tie, Letter from 317 AD to 420 AD is one of the most important pieces housed in the museum displaying both talent, the use of art in a graceful charm and conveys a message in the most informal way. Pieces of Zhu Zhishan can also be seen and they express his wild personality amongst many other pieces from other renowned individuals. 

Jade 

In the Shanghai Museum, visitors can see beautiful jade wares with delicate carvings and learn more about its decorative and symbolic meaning in addition to its fortune and many other magical significance of the rock in ancient China. Visitors can also see pieces such as Cong with the Anthropomorphic Mask, the Hindustan Octagonal Case, the Funerary Face, Gu with Three Chi-dragons Design and the flying bird design. Another renowned piece is the 4,200-year-old Jade Divine figure standing at 10.3 centimeters high as the only one of its kind in the world testifying the best quality of jade glittering through the translucent material. 

Sculpture 

The Gallery of Chinese Ancient Sculpture focuses mainly on Buddhist sculptures in the key colors of black, red and gold. The Head of Kashyapa showcases a simple yet unadorned inner beauty with a broad forehead, fine brows, kind sight and warm smile. The kneeling Bodhisattva stone sculpture is also worth a visit and the Thousand Buddha Stele with countless carvings of Buddha. 

Seal 

At the museum, the importance of seals in history from the Western Zhou to the end of the Qing Dynasty is displayed. There are more than 500 seals of different materials. For instance, the Seal with Inscription Jin Gui Yi Di Wang is a rare masterpiece made of gold and is more than 1,650 years old. Furthermore, there is the seal with Inscription Wu Yi that is a seal character transformed from the images of fish and birds amongst many other seal to enable visitors to learn more about their history and origin. 

Other Exhibits

Shanghai Museum also has a huge collection of other valuable treasures. There is a collection of over 7,000 pieces of currency showing its origin and development over time from the time Bronze was being used till the Modern era.

There is also a gallery showing a refined garden like a residence during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Visitors can see the elegant and fine ancient designs from back in the days to the development of modern designs. 

In addition, there is a colorful display for the minority nationalities ranging from metal wares, clothes, pottery, bamboo wares, sculptures and lacquer.