Ancient Civilizations of Songze and Liangzhu at Shanghai Museum

Shedding light on the rich history and cultural evolution of eastern China, the Shanghai Museum recently opened its doors to a new exhibition titled “The Proof of Early China: The Civilizations of Songze and Liangzhu”. This riveting showcase of history features a total of 358 unearthed artifacts. Impressively, a full third of these have never been previously shown to the public, and all were sourced from 19 different museums and archaeological institutions across the length and breadth of China.

The star attraction of the exhibit is a jade cong, a rectangular tube, weighing in at an impressive 6.5 kilograms. The artifact’s intricate and symmetrical motifs of human and animal faces, some carved with lines as thin as a strand of hair, are a testament to the extraordinary skills of its ancient craftsmen. Dating back approximately 5,000 years, this jade cong eloquently illustrates the rich and uninterrupted lineage of China as a major civilization.

The exhibit encompasses artifacts from the Songze and Liangzhu cultures, whose relics were discovered in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River region. This area, rich in both ancient and modern Chinese culture, yields historical artifacts that span from around 5,800 to 4,300 years ago. Through this collection, viewers are offered an intimate glance at the quintessence of China’s early regional civilizations.

The Songze culture, existing between 5,800 to 5,300 years ago, marked a significant period in the advancement of Neolithic culture in China. Exquisite utensils on display, such as the Double-layered Pottery Pot with Design and Petal-shaped Foot, offer visitors a time portal back to the remote Songze era. The pot, adorned with delicate patterns of triangles, circles, and petals, showcases the aesthetic tastes and craftsmanship of the Songze people.

The latter part of the Neolithic period is marked by the Liangzhu culture, from 5,300 to 4,300 years ago. This culture is best known for its intricate jade artifacts, used to delineate social hierarchies, distinguish status, and symbolize power. Notable among these is the Jade yue, an ornately decorated axe which underwent a cultural transformation from a symbol of violence to a ritual item of the ruling class.

Beyond just a showcase of relics, this exhibition aims to educate visitors about four central pillars of China’s early civilizations – the establishment of ancient states, the advent of rice cultivation, the growth of the handicraft industry, and the symbolic use of jade. It stands as solid proof of China’s glorious civilization, with roots extending back more than 5,000 years.

This compelling exhibition is part of the ongoing “The Essence of China” series at the Shanghai Museum and will continue to welcome visitors until October 8, offering them an unparalleled opportunity to explore and appreciate China’s deep-rooted and enduring legacy.

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