Date：2024-01-26 - 2024-02-25
Location：Shanghai Museum on People's Square, Museum Hall

The coming Year of the Dragon (Jiachen) is considered extraordinary and beneficent. Dragon, a mythical creature figuring in legendary tales for millennia, is a totem of Chinese nation and has long-held spiritual importance in China. The oracle bone script () depicts vividly a dragon's antlers, large mouth, elongate body and curled up tail, yet its origin remains elusive to this day, with a kaleidoscope of assumptions based on reptiles, insects, totems, and astronomical observations. Accordingly, the images of dragons commonly feature coiled snakes, migrating crocodiles or galloping beasts, and their distinct versatility gives rise to a wealth of art forms and variations.

Ancient texts record that the dragon is capable of changing its size and visibility at will, flying among the clouds in the middle of spring (chunfen) and hiding in water on the autumn equinox (qiufen). Its potent and mysterious powers—particularly control over rain—were essential to an agricultural society. This auspicious creature was historically associated with the East and the constellations, and used as a symbol to represent imperial power. The dragon is also a notable case of integration of Buddhism and Daoism, from which people's beliefs in Dragon Kings are derived and still prevail to date.

Together with Liaoning Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology and Xi'an Museum, we present eight different dragon-shaped cultural relics in different periods. They stand as a testimony not only to human efforts for adapting to and changing the environment, but also to a remarkable fusion of multiple cultures and arts throughout history. Recognizing the dragon as an emblem of the splendid Chinese civilization, we descendants of the dragon shall carry forward the pioneering spirit of the Chinese nation. On celebrating the arrival of the Year of the Dragon, we long for the warmth of spring and hope that our audience can enjoy the exuberance of the traditional culture through the exhibition.

Jade Jue (slit ring) Dragon

Silver Chain with Gilded Bronze Dragon Heads

Gold Dragon

Bronze Pan (water basin) with Dragon Design

White Glazed Plate with Molded Dragon amid Clouds, Ding kiln

Rhinoceros Horn Cup with Six Dragons Carved

Blue-and-White Flat Vase with Carmine Red Dragon amid Clouds and Two Handles, Jingdezhen ware

Coral Dragon

• More Information
• 【Poster】 Longing for Spring: A Celebration of the Year of the Dragon