Treasures from China coming to North America in only 8 weeks!

Treasures from China coming to North America in only 8 weeks!

Treasures from China is a special exhibition featuring 120 prized artifacts from the National Museum of China in Beijing. One of the objects on display is a stone tool crafted by human hands half a million years ago. It will set a new record as the oldest human artifact ever shown at the Canadian Museum of Civilization.

Treasures from China illuminates the rich history and remarkable achievements of the Chinese people from ancient times to the modern era. It features a dazzling array of objects, reflecting the depth of China’s artistic genius and the breadth of its social and cultural history.

“This is a rare and wonderful opportunity for a North American audience to see these treasures and to better understand China’s extraordinary contribution to the world’s cultural heritage,” said Dr. Victor Rabinovitch, President and CEO of the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation. “We are fortunate to be the exclusive venue for this splendid collection.”

The treasures include jade carvings and lacquerware; paintings and calligraphy; silk textiles; ceramics; and items fashioned from bronze, gold, and silver. Twenty-three of the artifacts are described by the Chinese museum as “premier masterpieces” because of their exceptional historical, cultural or artistic significance.

Dr. Ban Seng Hoe, Curator of Asian Studies at the Canadian Museum of Civilization, commented on the opportunities this exhibition presents. “Treasures from China will offer visitors a privileged insight into the splendour and longevity of Chinese civilization,” he said. “It will also help visitors better understand, interpret and appreciate Chinese art and fine crafts.”

Among the exhibition’s many highlights are a beautifully decorated bronze zun (wine vessel) from the Shang Dynasty (1600–1046 B.C.), and a spectacular pottery horse and groom from the Tang Dynasty (A.D. 618–907).

The exhibition was developed following an exchange agreement signed two years ago by the National Museum of China and the Canadian Museum of Civilization. In return, the Museum of Civilization is creating an exhibition for the National Museum of China showcasing treasures of Canada’s First Peoples. That exhibition will be presented in Beijing in 2008.

Treasures from China will be presented from May 11 to October 28, 2007 at the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Gatineau, Quebec.

This exhibition has been developed as a partnership between the National Museum of China, Beijing, and the Canadian Museum of Civilization, Gatineau-Ottawa.

Media Information:

Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Museum of Civilization
Tel.: 819 776-7167

Media Relations Officer
Canadian Museum of Civilization
Tel.: 819 776-7169

Fax: 819 776-7187

2007-03-12 00:00:00.000
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