A visitor is attracted to the exhibits on show.(Photo/Shanghai Daily)
Shanghai Songjiang Museum is displaying 56 ancient bronze vessels dating back to more than 2,700 years as a prelude to International Museum Day on May 18. The bronzeware exhibition will run to June 5.
Highlights are a bronze percussion instrument carved with human faces during the Spring and Autumn Period (770-221 BC), a bronze cooking vessel with loop handles from the West Zhou Dynasty (1046-771 BC), ancient swords and horse equipment, and daily utensils.
All the bronzeware on display comes from excavations in the old Wu region, which today comprises Shanghai, Jiangsu Province and parts of Anhui, Zhejiang and Jiangxi provinces. The Wu civilization is considered the cradle of ancient China along the lower reaches of the Yangtze River.
Most of the bronze vessels were found in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, a city known for producing quality vinegar for hundreds of years. However, thousands of years ago, the city was the political and cultural center of the Wu Kingdom.
The bronzeware excavated from Zhenjiang is remarkable for its intricate patterns and forging craftsmanship.
Songjiang, the "cultural root of Shanghai," was once a major economic and cultural center. The exhibition also displays three bronze vessels from excavation at Songjiang's Guangfulin site.
Hours: 9am-4pm. Closed on Mondays.
Venue: 1/F, Songjiang Museum
Date: Through June 5
Address: 233 Zhongshan Rd E.
To get there: exit at the Songjiang Sports Stadium Station of Metro Line 9 and take bus No. 22, 17 or 11. Get off at the station of Songjiang No. 2 High School. Walk 100 meters to the east.
