A Visit to the Wuhan Museum (Part 1): Exquisite Treasures and Cultural Relics

Wuhan, a national historical and cultural city, is located at the confluence of the Yangtze and Han Rivers, a "thoroughfare of nine provinces." It was once the capital of the Chu State, a political center for dynasties such as the Qin, Han, Tang, and Song, and witnessed the turbulent changes of modern times. Within Wuhan's jurisdiction, there are 33 major national cultural relic protection sites, headed by the Site of the Wuchang Uprising (National Level 1), the Site of the 87th Meeting (National Level 2), and the Panlongcheng Site (National Level 3), with a majority being modern historical sites. The Wuhan Museum, a National First-Class Museum, is located on Qingnian Road, Jianghan District, Hankou, Wuhan, near Hankou Railway Station. The Wuhan Museum has three floors, with the 3rd floor (Modern and Contemporary History of Wuhan exhibition hall) currently closed. Current permanent exhibitions include "Exquisite Treasures - A Collection of Cultural Relics Through the Ages," "Ancient Ceramic Art," and "3,500 Years of Continuity - Ancient History of Wuhan." This post introduces the 1st floor exhibition, "Exquisite Treasures - A Collection of Cultural Relics Through the Ages." Highlights of the exhibits are as follows: 1️⃣ "Museum Treasures" (Figures 3-5) ⭐⭐Shang Dynasty, Square Bronze Lei with Phoenix Pattern Unearthed in Yong'an Zhulinzui, Caidian District. It was unearthed without a lid, which was later replicated based on the "Mother Drum" dragon-patterned square lei housed in the Luoyang Museum. This bronze lei boasts exquisite craftsmanship, ornate decoration, and an elegant, grand style, possessing high historical and artistic value. ⭐⭐Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Mark, Jade Ewer with Intertwined Phoenixes The ewer is shaped like two phoenixes embracing each other, showcasing ingenious design and exquisite carving. The lid features two intertwined phoenix heads with cheeks touching; the body is composed of the bodies, wings, and feet of two embracing phoenixes, their feet touching in an intimate posture. The bottom is engraved with the gold-filled seal script mark "Made by Imperial Order of Qianlong." 2️⃣ Other Featured Exhibits (Figures 6-17) ⭐Shang Dynasty, Ding with Taotie Pattern ⭐Western Zhou Dynasty, Gui Ritual Vessel of the Duke of Qi ⭐Western Zhou Dynasty, Yong Bell ⭐Spring and Autumn Period, Yi Ritual Vessel with Coiled Dragon Handle and Four Feet ⭐Spring and Autumn Period, "Cai Taishi" He Ritual Vessel This type of vessel originally had no definitive name. Due to the inscription on the vessel, "In the first month of the King's reign, on the auspicious day of Renwu, Qin, the Grand Scribe of Cai, made this He vessel for perpetual use," its name was confirmed, providing valuable historical data for the study of Cai State history. ⭐Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period, Gilt Bronze Standing Statue of Sakyamuni Buddha This bronze Buddha statue, with its serene expression and vivid form, is a masterpiece among sculptures of the same theme. It was discovered in 1962 during the demolition of the Xingfu Temple Pagoda, a nationally protected ancient pagoda also known as the "Shadowless Pagoda," located within the South-Central University for Nationalities in Wuchang. ⭐Ming Dynasty, Yongle Period, Gilt Bronze Seated Buddha Statue ⭐Ming Dynasty, Agate Brush Washer with Chi Dragon Pattern ⭐Ming Dynasty, Celadon Water Dropper with Chi Dragon Pattern ⭐Qing Dynasty, Silver Phoenix Crown Inlaid with Gems ⭐Qing Dynasty, Gilt Green Jade Qing Musical Stone with Cloud and Dragon Pattern and Poem Inscription ⭐Qing Dynasty, Celadon and White Jade Vase with Lotus and Chi Dragon Handles, Green Jade Incense Burner with Inlaid Gems and Movable Ring Handles, Shoushan Stone Seal with Animal Knob, Zhou Leyuan Crystal Snuff Bottle with Interior Painted Flowers, Painted Enamel Flower and Fruit Box All photos were taken by me with my mobile phone. Please do not reprint or use them.