Step into the Shanghai Museum East Wing (XII): Archaeology Hall

The Shanghai Museum East Wing, located on Century Avenue in Pudong New District, Shanghai, officially opened to the public in December of last year. The museum houses 20 exhibition halls, including 8 permanent exhibition halls: the Bronze Hall, Calligraphy Hall, Painting Hall, Seal Carving Hall, Ceramics Hall, Currency Hall, Sculpture Hall, and Jade Hall. All exhibits are arranged chronologically according to ancient Chinese history, showcasing a comprehensive collection of artifacts from various periods. Each permanent exhibition hall is a "museum sanctuary" in its respective field. In addition to exploring ancient Chinese history through the 8 permanent exhibition halls, the Archaeology Hall, which comprehensively introduces the history of Shanghai through archaeological discoveries from various periods, is not to be missed. From the Songze ruins of the Majiabang culture in the Stone Age, dating back approximately 5,500 years, to the Qinglong Town ruins, a significant hub on the Maritime Silk Road during the Tang and Song dynasties, and the historical relics of the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, "Shanghai Archaeology" narrates the major archaeological discoveries and continuous historical and cultural trajectory of the Shanghai region over the past 6,000 years. This article introduces the highlights of the "Shanghai Archaeology" exhibition hall on the 4th floor of the Shanghai Museum East Wing (Figures 3-17). It is also the final installment of the "Step into the Shanghai Museum East Wing" series (Figure 2). ⭐ Liangzhu Culture: Jade Yue with Mao and Dui Combination Unearthed from the Fuquanshan site in Qingpu District, this jade yue consists of three parts: the yue (axe), mao (helmet), and hui (badge). This type of combined jade yue has only been found in high-ranking tombs of the Liangzhu culture, often located near the hands of the deceased. It is speculated that it may have been held by the tomb owner during their lifetime. ⭐ Liangzhu Culture: Ivory Scepter ⭐ Liangzhu Culture: Jade Cong with God-Human-Beast Face Motif ⭐ Liangzhu Culture: Jade Cong with God-Human Motif ⭐ Liangzhu Culture: Jade Conical Object ⭐ Maqiao Culture: Pottery Yan with Leaf Vein Pattern and Conical Feet ⭐ Spring and Autumn Period: Bronze Zun with Thorn Pattern Unearthed from the Guangfulin site in Songjiang District, similar bronze zuns are rare in the Wu and Yue regions. Its shape is modeled after the cylindrical zun of the Western Zhou Dynasty, while its belly bulges out to a flat, round shape. The thorn pattern decorating it is a representative motif of the Wu and Yue cultures. ⭐ Tang Dynasty: Changsha Ware Ewer with Greenish-Yellow Glaze and Brown Decoration of Date Palm and Male Lion Unearthed from the Qinglong Town site in Qingpu District, this ewer has a grayish-white body and greenish-yellow glaze. The body of the ewer is decorated with a male lion and date palm pattern using the characteristic decorative techniques of Changsha ware, including molded appliqué. This type of ewer was found in large quantities in the "Batu Hitam" shipwreck in Indonesian waters, indicating the popularity of Changsha ware overseas. ⭐ Tang Dynasty: Changsha Ware Ewer with Green Glaze and Brown Decoration ⭐ Tang Dynasty: Bronze Mirror with Parrot Holding a Branch and Ribbon Pattern ⭐ Northern Song Dynasty: Silver-Gilt Spoon with Lacquer Inlay and Wooden Handle and Double Fish Pattern ⭐ Ming Dynasty: Gold and Jade Headband Ornament ⭐ Ming Dynasty: Silver-Gilt Pei Pendant with Inlaid Jewels, White Jade, Ribbon Bird, and Peony Pattern ⭐ Ming Dynasty: Taoist Ordination Certificate ⭐ Qing Dynasty: Copper Orb with Inlaid Box Depicting Happiness, Prosperity, Longevity, and Joy (discovered within the finial of the Guoying Pagoda) All photos were taken by me with my mobile phone. Please do not reprint or use them without permission.