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Lacquered
dou (stem bowl) with relief dragon and
phoenix design
Warring States period (475-221 BC)
From Tianxingguan, Jingzhou H: 24.4 cm (Collection
of the Jingzhou Museum, Hubei province)
Jade
head
Neolithic period (c. 6500-1500 BC)
From Xiaojiawuji, Tianmen H: 3.7 cm
(Collection of the Jingzhou Museum,
Hubei province)
Bronze tiger-shaped zun (wine container)
Western Zhou period (c. 1050-771 BC)
From Brick Factory No. 2,
Jiangbei Farm, Jingzhou H:
22.4 cm
(Collection of the Jingzhou Museum,
Hubei province)
"Bingbi
Taisui" dagger-axe ge
Warring States period (475-221 BC)
From Cheqiao dam, Jingmen L: 21.9 cm
(Collection of the Jingzhou Museum,
Hubei province)
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Animal Magic: Ancient Art from Jingzhou, Hubei
Province
7
June to 10 September 2006
The
Jingzhou Museum, Hubei province and the University
Museum and Art Gallery, The University of Hong
Kong are pleased to present an exhibition of excavated
relics from the Jingzhou area of Hubei province,
including Neolithic pottery sculptures and jades,
and bronzes and lacquers of the Chu and Han cultures.
All exhibits feature the theme of humans and animals
expressed in a harmonious relation
Jingzhou,
in southwestern Hubei province, was the location
of the Chu capital city Ji'nancheng during the
Eastern Zhou period (770-221 BC), the height of
the Chu culture. By then its distinctive southern
regional bronze style of flamboyant form and decoration,
and the portraying of real and mythical images
was established. This trait is best exemplified
in the "bronze tiger-shaped jun (wine container)"
exhibited. Another exhibit "bronze 'Bingbi
Taisui' dagger-axe ge' is well-known for its representation
of the neighbouring exotic Ba-Shu culture to the
southwest of the Chu state. This is evidence of
the cultural relationship between the Chu and
Ba cultures. On lacquer, a dou (stem bowl) with
high relief designs of dragon, phoenix and snake
shows a scene of these three creatures fighting
rarely found among other Chu relics, manifesting
the creative imagination of Chu artisans.
As
early as the Neolithic period (c. 6500-1500
BC), the three major ancient cultures of Daxi,
Qujialing and Shijiahe evolved in the area of
Jingzhou. Jade heads with realistic human features
reveal the ancient human-based psychology and
ancestral worship. The jade flying eagle, jade
tigers and jade cicadas are representative of
Shijiahe animal iconography imbued with shamanic
power, and were regarded with high esteem within
Shijiahe culture. Among the Neolithic pottery
sculptures on display are "man holding fish"
figurines as evidence of the ancient fishery economy;
and representations of animals such as chickens,
dogs, sheep, elephants and monkeys etc which were
presented as offerings during ceremonial and ritual
practices.
The
capital of the Chu culture at Jingzhou not only
epitomises a magnificent art tradition, but also
plays a pivotal role in the shaping of Chinese
culture
Pottery man holding fish
Neolithic period (c. 6500-1500 BC)
From Dengjiawan, Tianmen H: 8.5 cm
(Collection of the Jingzhou Museum,
Hubei province)
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