By Rama Gaind
Enlightenment comes in many ways: through education, travel and meeting people. The experience is special when it comes in the shape of chance meetings with people from the Indian sub-continent.
Hence, talking to Indians in the streets of China was not a surprise. It’s not unusual then to build up acquaintances, and to feel an instant comraderie, with someone you’ve never met before – even if it is for a short time.
Even meeting one Indian while overseas has been a bonus, but it is heart-warming to meet a few.
A casual conversation at Beijing Airport has resulted in a long-lasting friendship with Prem, speaking briefly to Harish in Shanghai was a welcome change, followed by a fleeting hello from Asha as she dashed out to catch her plane back home to New Delhi.
Seeing family groups from afar, supporting cameras, eagerly checking out the sights, at the Shanghai Musuem was comforting. A quick hello, and an exchange of salient details means constant interaction.
After having spoken to my fellow countrymen, the few hours I spent at this museum of ancient Chinese art was made more memorable.
Ancient art
In line with a Chinese saying: “It is better to see for oneself than to hear many times”, to appreciate the educational aspects, a visit to the Shanghai Museum is essential.
Located in the centre of Shanghai in People’s Square, the museum of ancient Chinese art has artifacts that are said to demonstrate ancient wisdom and philosophy. It is an architectural showpiece. The exterior design of the round dome and the square base symbolises the ancient idea of a round heaven and square land. Seen sideways, it resembles an ancient tripod, with a glassed rooftop dome which is modelled on a Han Dynasty mirror.
Divided into 11 galleries and three exhibition halls, the galleries cover most of the major categories of Chinese art: Ancient Bronze, Ancient Ceramics, Paintings, Calligraphy, Ancient Sculpture, Ancient Jade, Coins, Ming and Qing Furniture, Seals and Minority Nationalities.
The museum has a collection of over 120,000 pieces and archaeological findings, including bronze, ceramics, calligraphy, furniture, jades, ancient coins, paintings, seals, sculptures, minority art and foreign art.
Array of paintings
Permanent exhibits feature an amazing array of paintings, ceramics and bronzes, among other artefacts
Exquisite bronze ware of the Shang and Zhou dynasties contribute to an understanding of ancient civilization with more than 400 pieces.
Among the more than 500 pieces in the ceramics collection are artwork from various dynasties, such as painted and grey pottery from the Neolithic age, the well-known tri-colored glazed pottery from the Tang Dynasty, blue, white and black glazed as well as painted porcelain from the Song, Jin and Liao, and the brilliant works from Jingdezhen, Jiangxi, the centre of the industry during the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties.
Buddish sculptures
The Gallery of Chinese Ancient Sculpture focuses mainly on Buddhist sculptures, while Chinese paintings and calligraphy provide an insight into the overwhelming traditions and exclusive national styles.
In 8000-year history of jade carving, China has produced countless great artists and highly skilled artisans. Jade in ancient China was both decoration and the symbol of wealth and power.
Over the years, minority nationalities have contributed some of their own colourful cultures which can also be viewed from clothes to textiles, artwork, sculptures, pottery and metal, lacquer and bamboo wares.
More to see
After an informative time at the museum, do try and venture out to some of the other tourist destinations including Botanical Gardens, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, the Bund and the Jade Buddha Temple in Shanghai.
You will be so glad you did.
