'Panorama: Timeless Imprints of Civilization' showcases exquisite Chinese artifacts

The highly anticipated exhibition "Panorama: Timeless Imprints of Civilization" is currently on at Long Museum West Bund in Shanghai and will run through June 29.

The exhibition features more than 200 precious artifacts from the Shang and Zhou dynasties (1600 BC-256 BC) to the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1912), including oracle bones, bronze ware, jade, porcelain, Buddhist statues, and furniture. These antique on display are from the collection of Liu Yiqian and Wang Wei, the couple who founded the Long Museum.

The exhibition is divided into four sections: "The Longevity of Metal and Stone," "Vessels Carrying Taoism," "Thoughts without Evil," and "The Infinite Treasury."

Some of the artifacts are being shown to the public for the first time, such as a bronze piece from the Warring States period (475-221 BCE) inlaid with gold and silver; a sky-green glazed washer from the Ru kiln of the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1126); and a celadon eight-sided string-patterned bottle from the official kiln of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279).

The exhibition also renders a rare opportunity for viewers to see the "Doucai Chicken Cup" from the Chenghua reign (1465-1487) of the Ming Dynasty 10 years after its last exposure.

All the items, witnessing the fusion of imperial will, literati elegance, and folk wisdom, silently narrate the ancient stories via the exquisite craftsmanship of 3,000 years of Chinese civilization.

The whole exhibition space is purposely designed into a dark hue with only antiques "shining" under the dim light.

One such antique piece is the "The Longevity of Metal and Stone," which includes 34 examples of oracle bone inscriptions, 30 rare artifacts of bronze ware, ancient jade, and jade seals. Oracle bones, bronze ware, and jade are recognized as important carriers of ancient Chinese culture, and bear the continuation and eternal essence of Chinese culture.

One highlight of the section is a "Jade Memorial Seal of the Yongle Empress Wen" of the Hongxi reign (1424-1425) in the Ming Dynasty. Half of this seal is destroyed, said to be burnt during a political turmoil in the palace. Today it is the only existing jade memorial seal from the Ming Dynasty ever found.

The second section, "Vessels Carrying Taosim," displays 12 porcelains from the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, showcasing the pinnacle of Chinese porcelain culture. From the reserved subtlety of porcelain of the Song Dynasty to the ornate display of porcelain from the Qing Dynasty, these artifacts not only reflect the history of craftsmanship development, but also reveal the social power structures, philosophical thoughts, and aesthetic changes during the periods.

For example, the porcelain from the Ru Kiln of the Northern Song Dynasty is famous for its glaze color, reminiscent of the sky after rain, which echoed the philosophical thought of "harmony between man and nature" at the time.

Visitors will find eight Buddha statues from the 11th century to the Ming and Qing dynasties in the "Thoughts Without Evil" section.

The last section of "The Infinite Treasury" features a study room with ancient furniture, kesi silk tapestries and jade artifacts with an immersive touch for visitors.

If you go:

Date: Through June 29, 10am-5:30pm, from Tuesday to Thursday, 10am-8pm, from Friday to Sunday

Address: 3398 Longteng Avenue

Admission: 130 yuan