A visitor observes the Zici Round Bronze Wine Vessel at Shenzhen Museum's History and Folk Culture Division. The items in the background are replicas of Zhongshan State ritual items shaped like the Chinese character "山".
A visitor observes a decorative painting featuring lives in Zhongshan State.
▲ Inlaid Square Bronze Wine Vessel With Cloud Pattern
Gourd-shaped Bronze Wine Vessel
▲ Silver-inlaid Bronze Mythical Beast With Wings
While many are familiar with the seven most powerful states during the turbulent Warring States period (476-221 B.C.) in ancient China, few are aware of the eighth powerful state — Zhongshan State (414-295 B.C.), situated in modern Hebei Province in North China. A new exhibition at the Shenzhen Museum now unveils the little-known history of this mysterious yet influential state.
Originally established by the nomadic Xianyu tribe of the Baidi people, an ethnic minority from northern China, Zhongshan State derived its name from a mountain ("shan" in Chinese pinyin) within its borders, revered by the Xianyu tribe. Archaeologists have uncovered ritual items shaped like the Chinese character "山" ("mountain") in Zhongshan kings' tombs in Hebei Province. These uniquely shaped ritual items, symbolizing the prestige and power of the rulers, are exclusive to Zhongshan State.
Referred to as a "state with thousands of chariots" in historical accounts, Zhongshan State was one of the five medium states in terms of military strength during the Warring States period, with seven other more potent states, each deemed a "state with tens of thousands of chariots." Zhongshan State experienced ups and downs during its conflicts with neighboring states until its fifth king, Cuo, ascended in approximately 327 B.C., marking its zenith and recognition as the eighth powerful state in certain historical texts.
Historical records of Zhongshan State are scarce, and it wasn't until the 1970s that archaeologists unearthed the kings' mausoleum, alongside other tombs and ruins from the Eastern Zhou Dynasty (770-256 B.C.) in Hebei Province. Inscriptions on the bronze vessels in these tombs ultimately aided historians in unraveling the mysteries surrounding Zhongshan State.
Co-organized by Shenzhen Museum, Hebei Museum, and Hebei Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology (Hebei Nihewan Research Center), the "State With a Thousand Chariots — Zhongshan State in the Warring States Period" exhibition at Shenzhen Museum showcases 175 pieces (sets) of relics excavated from the Zhongshan State Kings Mausoleum, the Zhongshan State Capital Site, and the Gujun Site in Xingtang County in Hebei Province.
Visitors will marvel at a collection of rarely seen relics with unique shapes and designs, including the Gourd-shaped Bronze Wine Vessel with a bird-headed lid, the Silver-inlaid Bronze Mythical Beast With Wings believed to rest on a mat to prevent movement, the Gold Ferrule adorned with two dragons, the Inlaid Square Bronze Wine Vessel With Cloud Pattern, a representative bronze piece in the Warring States featuring multiple decorative patterns, and the Zici Round Bronze Wine Vessel inscribed with a eulogy by King Zici mourning his father, Cuo.
These exquisite artifacts highlight the exceptional craftsmanship of Zhongshan State. The "山"-shaped ritual items, although seemingly simple, exhibit a rugged style; intricately designed artifacts radiate the dazzling beauty of the ancient casting technology; and lengthy inscriptions on the bronze vessels offer a glimpse into refined Warring States texts and the inner workings of Zhongshan State.
Meanwhile, historians have observed that the shapes and designs of many bronze relics from Zhongshan State reflect Central Plain styles, while accessories and gem products bear distinct northern tribal features, reflecting a fusion of different cultures within the state's existence of less than 200 years.
During the exhibition, which runs through mid-October, the Shenzhen Museum will also host lectures, rubbing workshops and other children's events to popularize this archaeology-themed exhibition and provide visitors with an accessible understanding of this enigmatic ancient state.
Dates: Through Oct. 13
Booking: WeChat miniprogram “深圳博物馆”
Venue: Shenzhen Museum’s History and Folk Culture Division, Futian District
Metro: Line 2 or 4 to Civic Center Station, Exit B