Shanghai and Kremlin museums display Russian weapons
The tsars of Russia were given to ostentatious displays of wealth, so with adornments of sapphire and other precious stones, one hopes these weapons were more for show than slaughter.
A new exhibition at the Shanghai museum shows weapons from the royal households of Russia from the 17th and 18th centuries. In collaboration with the Kremlin Museum of Moscow, it is the first show of its kind in China.
The exhibition includes 120 parade, ceremonial and battle weapons and sets of armor from the 17th and 18th centuries. All exhibits come from Moscow's Armory Chamber. Highlights include this ceremonial hatchet made of gold and precious stones, a favorite of the Tsar in 1674. These flintlock pistols were made with the participation of Empress Anna Ioannovna in the 18th century. And this piece of jewelry with sapphires was a gift to Empress Catherine II.
The exhibition will run until October 10. Admission is free. To help people understand the stories behind the artifacts, the Shanghai Museum will set up a series of public lectures.
