Chongqing - As the Year of the Dragon approaches, an exhibition featuring 169 pieces (sets) of cultural artifacts related to the symbol of the dragon was launched on January 9 at the Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum.
The dragon-themed exhibition was launched on January 9 at the Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum. (Photo/Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum)
This exhibition is an annual Chinese New Year cultural series exhibition at the Chongqing Three Gorges Museum. This year's theme is "Dragon Dance in China," aiming to showcase the rich cultural legacy of the dragon throughout Chinese history. It will run until March 10.
The museum divides the display into three sections, through explanations, exhibits, and multimedia presentations, explaining how the dragon has become a cultural symbol embodying wisdom, strength, and auspiciousness.
A piece of dragon embroidery on the upper garment is on display. (Photo/Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum)
The dragon is the only mythical creature among the twelve zodiac animals. Du Zhiming, the curator and cultural researcher at Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum, explained that the dragon, as a revered spiritual being, has evolved through the Stone Age, Shang and Zhou dynasties, Qin and Han dynasties, and the Tang and Song dynasties reaching its peak during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties (1271–1911). This evolution also signifies the dragon's expansion into various objects, including bronze, jade, copper mirrors, silk fabrics, ceramics, and more.
Throughout history, the dragon has accumulated rich cultural connotations and positive meanings, becoming integral to spiritual beliefs and touching on aspects of religion, folklore, ethnicity, and art.
The Dragon Jade Plaque. (Photo/Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum)
"We have carefully selected 169 pieces (sets) out of thousands of dragon-related artifacts from the Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum for this exhibition," said Du Zhiming. The exhibited artifacts include jade objects, bronze ware, pottery, ceramics, clothing, embroidery, stone carvings, rubbings, New Year paintings, prints, and paper cuttings.
The dragon-themed exhibition was launched on January 9 at the Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum. (Photo/Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum)
Among them, 67 pieces (sets) have been classified as valuable artifacts. Du Zhiming highlighted, "The dragon-shaped jade pendant from the Warring States period (475 –221 BC), a Qing Dynasty gold-embellished dragon-patterned seal box, and a Qing Dynasty jade and coral dragon pattern belt hook are particularly precious, and some of them are being exhibited for the first time."
In addition to the exhibition, the Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum will launch various activities, including intangible cultural heritage experiences and cultural creative markets.
(Cheng Jialu, as an intern, also contributed to the report)