Mingle Amongst the Fine Art and History of Ancient China at the Shanghai Museum

The largest museum contains ancient Chinese art, the Shanghai Museum lies in the heart of Shanghai at the People’s Square. Reflecting on ancient wisdom and philosophy, the artefacts compliments the architectural design of the building, which depicts the ancient ideology of a round heave and square land. Found in 1952, the museum was originally located in former Shanghai Racecourse Club House but later was moved to its present location in 1992.

This beautifully mastered museum is home to a total o eleven galleries as well as three exhibitions halls. The galleries are home to different classifications of Chinese Art, which include Ancient Bronze, Ancient Ceramics, Ancient Sculpture, Ancient Jade, Ming and Qing Furniture, Minority Nationalities, Paintings, Calligraphy, Seals and Coins.

The Ancient Bronze collections hail from the times of the Shang and Zhou Dynasties. These valuable artefacts, which span over 400 in number, are largely responsible for providing insight into the concept of ancient civilisation of China as well as its history in bronze art.

The treasure of the Shanghai Museum, the Ancient Ceramic collection holds over 500 pieces of intricate artwork and designs over a number of dynasties. Such artefacts include the gray and painted pottery works from the Neolithic Age, celadon work in the form of primitive pieces from the Shang & Zhou Dynasties and Warring States as well as mature works from the East Han Dynasty. Further collections include Tang Dynasty tri-coloured glazed pottery; Song, Lin and Liao Dynasty has glazed and painted porcelain artefacts; and magnificent works from Jingdezhen and Jiangxi, which were the focal point of the ceramics industry in the times of the Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties.

Another highlight of the museum is the Ancient Sculpture Gallery, which focuses purely on Buddhist artefacts depicting the tranquil nature of the philosophical religion. The Ancient Jade collection offers insight into the green hued stone, which the Chinese considers it a symbol of power and strength, at times ‘perfect morality’ as well as being a form of decoration and beauty. Furthermore, the Ming and Qing Dynasty furniture provides insight into the livelihood, culture and craft of Chinese folk. The intricate work on wood signifies the skills of the community that created it.

The remaining galleries include the Painting, Seals, Coins, Calligraphy and Minority Nationalities. These galleries offer insight into the economic, cultural as well as the literacy of the Chinese as well as other nationalities who resided in China at the time. Spanning over several dynasties, many artefacts is offered on display to allow visitors to understand the workings of a community in ancient times.

Take times to discover the vibrant history and culture of China while enjoying the comforts of a Shanghai hotel such as the Millennium Hongqiao Hotel Shanghai . This luxury hotel offers lavish and comfortable accommodation coupled with quality amenities and warm hospitality.