Treasures – Luoxia-style “Colourful Phoenix Singing in the Qishan Mountain” Guqin (Tang Dynasty)
The Zhejiang Provincial Museum houses a valuable collection of ancient guqins, including this Tang Dynasty guqin.
Category: Chinese Treasures
Artefacts and monuments related to Chinese civilisation
National Treasure – Da Yu Bronze Ding (Western Zhou Dynasty)
After leaving Beijing two different times, it is finally back in the Capital for good.
Treasures – Gold-Inlaid Tiger-shaped Tally with Inscription (Warring States – Qin)
Before modern communications, orders to mobilise troops were conveyed using tallies, similar to the gold-inlaid tiger-shaped tally.
Treasures – Gold Dragons in Running Position (Tang Dynasty)
A farmer in Hejiacun Village unearthed twelve gold dragons from the Tang dynasty, used in the “casting the dragon” ritual.
National Treasure – Pillow in the Shape of Recumbent Child (Northern Song Dynasty)
The porcelain pillow from the Northern Song dynasty features a child-like shape and exquisite design, symbolising wealth and prosperity.
National Treasure – Agate Rhyton Inlaid With Gold Plug (Tang Dynasty)
The agate rhyton inlaid with gold plug, a decorative item likely from the Silk Road, reflects cross-cultural exchange. Originating from the West, it demonstrates the Tang people’s curiosity, admiration, and inclusiveness towards foreign civilisations.
National Treasure – Gold-decorated Silver Kettle with the Pattern of a Dancing Horse (Tang Dynasty)
This kettle from the Tang Dynasty symbolises the culture of dancing horses in ancient China. The detailed design depicts the grand equestrial performances that took place during Emperor Xuanzong’s birthday celebrations.
National Treasure – Phoenix Coronet for Empress Xiaoduan (Ming Dynasty)
In 1956, the Dingling archaeological dig uncovered Empress Xiaoduan’s 九龍九鳳冠 phoenix coronet with nine dragons and nine phoenixes.
National Treasure – Bronze Chariot No. 1 (Qin Dynasty)
The two bronze chariots and horses found at Emperor Qin Shihuang’s mausoleum are known as “The Crown of Bronze Works”. Excavated in 1980, they are significant evidence of ancient Chinese science and technology.
Treasures – Terracotta Cavalryman and Saddled Horse (Qin Dynasty)
2,500 years ago, a cavalryman and his horse, replicated in clay, were buried with Emperor Qin Shihuang, the first Emperor of a unified China.