The exhibition, Treasures of Ancient China, which is on at the West Wing of the Salarjung museum is drawing a lot of crowds. Besides children from different schools, families are also using this opportunity to visit the museum. If some are visiting the exhibition with an interest to see more of Chinese embroidery and paintings, some are hoping to see a lot of unusual Chinese weapons and pottery. The exhibition might not have enough of these but the exhibits are worth a look.
Where
The West Wing of the museum, where the exhibits are displayed, is brightly lit and has enough signposts to guide the visitors. What attracts the eye the moment one enters are the two imposing terracotta warriors. The two warriors are from the mausoleum of Chinese emperor Qin Shihuang. Almost life-size, the two soldiers are a part of the famous terracotta army. The speciality of these warrior statues is they are depicted in the role they played in the army.
The state in which these exhibits are brought and exhibited are noteworthy. The exhibition has been organised by the Archaeological Survey of India in collaboration with the State Administration of Cultural Heritage of China, with Art Exhibitions China as its executing agency. Besides the famed terracotta warriors, as many as 95 artefacts, including the tri-coloured pottery representing the Chinese culture from the Neolithic period to the Qing dynasty period, are being showcased.
What to expect
The porcelain flattened pot with black dragon design once again shows the intricate work the Chinese did on their porcelain and stone ware. The dragon on this one is distinct. There's an impressive collection of vases, where the porcelain ones stand out. Most of the jars and boxes brought are utility objects.
A few jade and bronze artefacts like mirrors and ornamental swords too are on display. Most of the jade and bronze mirrors were used on tombstones of the warriors.
There are a few idols, which are similar to Indian goddesses. One such idol on display is the Avalokitesvara image. A particular idol in bronze resembles Goddess Durga.
Could have been better
Of the big exhibits, there is a stone sarira urn, a stone stupa with date inscription and a stone tomb gate. The apricot-shaped gold ornaments are the only pure gold items on display.
While the exhibition is praiseworthy, what could have really made a difference is a note on the utility factor of the exhibits. A touch screen machine is provided to know more about the exhibits. The soft, traditional Chinese melodies playing in the background complemented the ambience of the exhibition.
The exhibition ends on August 22.
