Exhibition Period: 21.10.2017 – 25.02.2018

The Kingdom of Chu was one of the feudal states of the early Western Zhou dynasty. With concerted endeavour of successive Chu rulers, the state had undergone significant expansion and became one of the strongest powers in the Spring and Autumn as well as the Warring States periods. At its peak, the territory of the Kingdom covered the vast land of southern China, amounting to half of the entire country. A distinct culture developed in that region contrasted sharply with that of the Central Plain and coastal regions during the pre-Qin times. More importantly, the Chu culture continued in the Han dynasty, influencing China for over eight hundred years.

The exhibition explores the impact of the Chu culture through jade carving, featuring 158 jade vessels excavated in Hubei Province from tombs dated from the Zhou Dynasties to the mid- and late Warring States period. These tombs were located in the ancient Kingdom of Zeng (Guojiamiao and Zeng Houyi) and the Kingdom of Chu (Shanwan, Yaojiagang, Caojiagang and Jiuliandun) respectively. Focusing mainly on the mid- to late Warring States jades from Jiuliandun, the exhibition explores the stylistic features of Chu jades as well as their development history. It also illuminates the relationship between Chu jades and the Central Plain jades founded in the Kingdom of Zeng. For the first time, these exhibits will be organised and displayed according to their unearthed locations, which helps shedding light on the burial practice and function of burial jades in the Chu culture.

Jiuliandun is by far the largest source of jades excavated from Chu tombs. Also valuable is the tomb of Guojiamiao, which has been selected as the Top Ten Archaeological Finds in China for two consecutive years in 2015 and 2016. All vessels at this exhibition have never been displayed outside mainland China before.

Opening Hours:
Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sundays and Public Holidays: 1:00 – 5:00 pm

Closed:
Thursdays (Except Public Holidays)
New Year, Lunar New Year, Easter and Christmas Holidays