Date：2025-01-14 - 2025-03-02
Location：Shanghai Museum on People's Square, No.3 Exhibition Hall (4F)

As the snake stirs, spring returns, ringing in the Year of the Snake (Yisi). In Chinese culture, the snake is a prototype for the dragon totem and revered as the "little dragon". It was awed and deified by the ancients for several unique traits: on land and through water it slithers without legs; after ecdysis or brumation it continually achieves "rebirth". Recorded in the oracle bone inscriptions and classic text like Shanhaijing, or depicted on bronzewares and stone reliefs, the mythological snakes permeated early Chinese civilization. Specifically, the divine creators with snake bodies symbolize the ancestors' hope for enduring progeny; tribal leaders would hold or step on snakes to communicate with heaven and nature and assert authority; ancient regions such as Dian, Shu, Chu, Min and Wuyue all once sought protection and strength from snakes. Moreover, the creature has been immortalized through legendary figures like the northern water god Xuanwu and the gentle and affectionate Lady White. Today, it is still associated with auspiciousness and prosperity in folk customs, being worshipped as the Snake King and welcomed as the House God or Wealth God.

The snake has also been slithering through world civilizations. It is synonymous with evil and venom, embodied in the Midgard Serpent Jörmungandr in Norse myth and in the serpent that tempted humanity in Christian teachings. As a messenger of healing and defence, the snake appears coiling around the staff of the Greek god of medicine Asclepius, and on the crown of Egyptian pharaohs. It is even hailed as the supreme Feathered Serpent deity in Mesoamerica. Such duality encompassing both good and evil shows the complex emotions and boundless imagination that humans project onto nature, and the wisdom to confront difficulties with courage.

In celebration of the Year of the Snake, the Shanghai Museum has selected 13 exquisite relics from its collection and on loan to unveil the continuity and evolution of the legend of divine snakes. Here, you will experience the spiritual resonance cultivated by the snake culture, which transcends mountains and seas across different ethnic groups. May everyone in the new year draw upon wisdom and resolve, embracing transformation and the joy of rebirth!

Inscribed Tortoise Plastron Fragment

Yuan Square Ding (food vessel)

Lacquered Wood Cup in the Shape of Yi (pouring vessel)

Rubbing of Stone Relief with Fuxi and Nüwa Holding the Sun and the Moon

Meshed Bronzeware with Snake-shaped Design

Gilt Bronze Sword Hilt in the Shape of a Snake Head

Bronze Cha (weapon) with Snake-head-shaped Socket

Bronze Yue (axe) with Snake-head-shaped Socket

Leaf of Arhat in Meditation by Li Lin

Leaf of Arhat Chanting Sutras by Li Lin

Stage Backdrops for the Green Snake, Shadow Puppetry of Shaanxi Province

White-glazed Porcelain Trophy with Serpent Handles

Iron Sword with Beast-head-shaped Bone Hilt and Snakelike Blade (Malay Kris)

【Online Exhibition】 Twelve Chinese Zodiac Signs