2 Exhibitions Not to Be Missed This Week At Capital Museum

Tracy Wang, Senior Editor | Jun 23, 2016 11:30 am | Add a comment | 1934 reads

There are two reasons to visit Capital Museum this week: not only is it an all-round educational gold mine, full of ancient Chinese paintings, bronze art, and calligraphy, but you'll also get more bang for your (free) buck, as there are currently two special exhibitions on show. Although free, you will need to reserve your spot, and both only run till the end of this weekend.

Splendid Finds: The Archaeological Excavations at the Royal Cemetery of Haihunhou Kingdom in Han Dynasty
The first emperor Haihunhou Liu He (BC 92-59) lived during the Han dynasty and experienced both a big rise and the obligatory colossal fall from grace in a very short period of time, taking on his role at a mere 18 years old before being kicked out of the palace after 27 days. 

During the Han dynasty, there was a theory of honoring the dead as the living, so the treasures left behind in his burial ground were the same as the things Liu He used when he was alive. Thus, these 400 antiques paint a picture of Han Dynasty life, albeit one lived by an emperor.

Queen, Mother, General: 40th Anniversary of Excavating the Shang Tomb of Fu Hao
Fu Hao (BC 12) is one of my favorite ancient figures; not only was she the first ever female general in Chinese history (based on the traceable records), but she also had outstanding taste, which is proven by her 1,928 burial objects and belongings. Fu Hao lived in the Shang Dynasty, which was the second dynasty in Chinese history, and the beginning of written history. Is this exhibit, we get the opportunity to see a number of Song dynasty objects, such as wine containers, jade accessories, and weapons, all in good knick.

If that isn't enough culture for you, the Pablo Picasso show at the Riverside Art Museum is another not-to-be-missed summer exhibit, with 83 original paintings and artworks and 84 photographs on display until August 8.

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Email: tracywang@thebeijinger.com
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Photos: Capital Museum