The treasures of the National Museum of China include precious cultural relics from multiple historical periods. Here are some of the main treasures and their exhibition locations:
Stepmother Wu Ding (Shang Dynasty)
Exhibition Location: Ancient China Basic Exhibition Hall
Brief Introduction: This is a heavy bronze vessel from the Shang Dynasty, with a total height of 133 centimeters and a weight of 832.84 kilograms. It is the largest and heaviest bronze ritual vessel unearthed to date and is hailed as a “national treasure”. The inner wall of the tripod is inscribed with the words “Hou Mu Wu”, which reflects the superb bronze casting skills of the Shang Dynasty.
Four RAMS Square Vase (Shang Dynasty)
Exhibition Location: Ancient China Basic Exhibition Hall
Introduction: Among the existing Shang Dynasty bronze square vats, this one is the largest in size, standing at 58.3 centimeters tall. It features a magnificent shape with a coiled horned sheep head carved at each of the four corners of the shoulder. The craftsmanship is exquisite and it is hailed by the historical community as the “ultimate bronze model”.
Li GUI (Western Zhou Dynasty)
Exhibition Location: Ancient China Basic Exhibition Hall
Brief Introduction: This is a bronze ware from the early Western Zhou Dynasty, with a total height of 28 centimeters. The inner bottom is cast with inscriptions, recording the significant historical event of King Wu’s campaign against King Zhou of Shang, which corroborates the records in the “Records of the Grand Historian”. It is the sole witness to the Battle of Muye.
The Great Yu Ding (Western Zhou Dynasty)
Exhibition Location: Ancient China Basic Exhibition Hall
Brief Introduction: A bronze vessel from the reign of King Kang of the Western Zhou Dynasty, with 291 characters of inscriptions cast on the inner side of the belly, records King Kang’s instructions and rewards to his minister Yu. It is a precious source for the study of Western Zhou history and calligraphy art.
Guo Ji Zi Bai Pan (Western Zhou Dynasty)
Exhibition Location: Ancient China Basic Exhibition Hall
Brief Introduction: This is a bronze ware from the period of King Xuan of the Western Zhou Dynasty. The inner bottom is cast with 111 characters of inscriptions, which record the deeds of Guo Jizi Bai leading his troops to defeat the enemy. It has extremely high historical value.
Hongshan Yulong (Neolithic Age)
Exhibition Location: Ancient China Basic Exhibition Hall
Introduction: A jade artifact from the Hongshan Culture of the Neolithic Age, standing 26 centimeters tall, with a dark green body, vivid shape and exquisite carving, it enjoys the reputation of “the First Dragon of China”.
Eagle-shaped pottery tripod (Neolithic Age)
Exhibition Location: Ancient China Basic Exhibition Hall
Introduction: This pottery of Yangshao Culture, standing 35.8 centimeters tall, features a standing eagle shape. It ingeniously combines the characteristics of tripod objects with the animal form of an eagle, making it a rare sculpture art treasure from ancient times.
Painted Pottery jar with a picture of a stork, fish and stone axe (Neolithic Age)
Exhibition Venue: Ancient China Basic Exhibition Hall (The cultural relics are currently on vacation)
Introduction: The pottery of Yangshao Culture features a picture of a stork, fish and a stone axe painted on the outer wall of the vessel’s belly. It is the earliest and largest pottery painting discovered in China and holds extremely high artistic value.
Empress Xiaoduan of the Ming Dynasty (Nine Dragons and Nine Phoenixes Crown)
Exhibition Location: Ancient China Basic Exhibition Hall
Brief Introduction: Unearthed from the underground palace of the Ming Dingling Mausoleum in Beijing, it is 48.5 centimeters in height, inlaid with 115 gemstones, 4,414 pearls, and decorated with 44 pieces of emerald clouds. With exquisite craftsmanship and a solemn shape, it is a top-notch piece among ancient jewelry.
The Jade Seal of Hong Xiuquan, the Heavenly King of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom (Qing Dynasty
Exhibition Location: Basic Exhibition Hall of the Road to Revival
Introduction: An important symbol of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom regime, it witnessed the largest peasant uprising in Chinese history and holds significant historical importance.
