Tang Dynasty books are on display at the exhibition.
Literature enthusiasts can explore exquisitely printed ancient Chinese works alongside classic poems and prose at an exhibition hosted by the Shenzhen Museum's History and Folk Culture Division. The featured books date back to between the Yuan (1271-1368) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties.
Ancient Chinese texts are traditionally classified into four categories — jing (classics), shi (history), zi (philosophy), and ji (literature). Since 2018, the Shenzhen Museum has organized exhibitions featuring selected works from these categories, demonstrating its commitment to preserving and promoting traditional Chinese culture. These exhibitions have garnered widespread acclaim from both experts and visitors alike.
The ongoing exhibition, which features 120 ancient books in the ji category, is the seventh and final installment of this series. Visitors can delve into the narratives behind "Lisao" ("On Encountering Sorrow") by Qu Yuan (340-278 B.C.), the literature of the Six Dynasties (222-589), the poetry of the flourishing Tang Dynasty (618-907), and yuefu poems inspired by folk-ballad traditions.
The exhibition also offers insights into the diverse characters populating historical tales, from nobles and officials to commoners of various backgrounds, highlighting the essential role individuals play in shaping cultural heritage. Complemented by artistic installations and paintings, the exhibition invites visitors to traverse history and experience the profound literary allure of Chinese literature spanning over two millennia.
The meticulously curated ancient book exhibition series at the Shenzhen Museum is the first large-scale showcase of its kind in Guangdong Province. Over the past seven years, the museum has unveiled a treasure trove of rare and valuable editions, highlighting the rich humanistic and historical themes that define various forms of ancient Chinese texts.
Dates: Until March 15, 2025
Venue: Shenzhen Museum's History and Folk Culture Division, Futian District
Metro: Line 2 or 4 to Civic Center Station, Exit B