Beschrijving

The volume presents an impressive catalog of exquisite objects held by the Shanghai Museum, showcasing diverse materials and artistic traditions spanning China’s long history. Through more than 350 richly illustrated pages, the book offers entries on four major categories: metal and stone works; pottery and porcelain wares; painting, calligraphy and rare texts; and various arts and crafts.

Each section provides historical context, aesthetic commentary and provenance information—illustrating how form, technique and cultural meaning evolved across dynasties and regions. For example, the metal and stone category explores ritual bronzes and jade carvings; the porcelain section illuminates development from early kilns to Ming and Qing imperial ware. The bilingual format (Chinese and English) makes the scholarship accessible to a wider readership.

The catalogue does more than record objects: it invites reflection on how museum collections function as custodians of cultural memory. The book emphasises the role of the museum in preserving craftsmanship, interpreting symbolic meaning, and promoting cross-cultural dialogue. Scholars, curators and art lovers alike will find in this volume a rich reference for the legacy of Chinese material culture.