Date：2024-08-14 - 2024-11-11
Location：Shanghai Museum East, Exhibition Gallery 2 (2F)

The year 2024 marks the 30^th anniversary of completing the architectural restoration and archaeological exploration of the Yuanying Pagoda in Songjiang, Shanghai's tallest surviving ancient pagoda. This landmark is of immense historical, artistic, and scientific significance, yielding more relics through excavation than any other pagoda in the region. Over a thousand artifacts have been unearthed from the treasure vase at its top and from its heavenly and underground palaces, spanning from the Southern Dynasties via the Sui Dynasty to the middle and late Qing Dynasty. The quantity and diversity of these relics are exceptional nationwide.

For nearly 90 years, Shanghai's archaeological endeavors have been driven by the relentless dedication of generations of archaeologists, leading to profound achievements that have extended the city's historical narrative, strengthened its historical credibility, enriched its historical connotations, and revitalized its historical scenes. The restoration and excavation work at the Yuanying Pagoda in Songjiang serve as a remarkable testament to this enduring legacy. As has been poetically described, "Amidst the cloud-kissed Western Woods, the Pagoda stands as a towering treasure house." The reappearance of its treasures today vividly showcases the historical position and unique charm of Jiangnan culture in terms of craftsmanship, philosophical insights, and humanistic features. These spectacular finds provide invaluable evidence of the urban development, cultural vibrancy, and refined lifestyle of ancient Shanghai.

Seated Buddha

Miniature Pagoda

Mirror with the Sea-monster-and-grape Pattern

Statuette of Standing Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Guanyin) Holding Prayer Beads

Statuette of Seated Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Guanyin)

Statuette of a Guardian

Statuette of Monk Sengjia (Great Sage of Sizhou) with Two Disciples

Vajra Bell

Bead with a T-shaped hole

Alms Bowl

Bottle

Ornament with the Sea-water-and-lake-stone-and-Makara (dragon-fish) Pattern

Pendant in the Shape of Makara (dragon-fish)

Bi (disc) with the Triple-Chi (hornless dragon) Pattern

Sword Scabbard Slide with the Chi (hornless dragon) Pattern

Incense Burner Cover with the Triple-egret Pattern

Ornament with the Bird-and-lingzhi Pattern

Mandarin-fish-shaped Pendant

Pendant in the Shape of a Child Carrying a Ball

Pendant in the Shape of Three Frolicking Children