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展覽筆記 vol.26 錢鏐的秘色瓷:吳越文化博物館 - Wu Yue Museum Inaugural Exhibition, Mise Secret Colour Porcelains From The Qian Liu Family.



錢鏐墓秘色瓷首展,吳越文化博物館建成開館

來源:今日臨安 / 翻譯:SACA學會


2024年10月11日,吳越文化博物館在臨安對公眾開放。對吳越國王錢鏐故鄉的這座博物館,眾人期盼已久。


開館大展“吳越千秋——五代十國時期的東南樂土”展出的350件(套)文物中有150件一級文物,其中大部分是首次亮相,它們系統展示了吳越國的政治、經濟、文化面貌以及發展成就,讓人充分認識吳越國在五代十國亂世延續中華文明的獨特作用,弘揚了錢氏納土歸宋的歷史意義和現實意義。


吳越千年,從臨安原點出發,流淌至整個長三角地區。在浙江許多角落,我們都能發現吳越文化的印記:一座塔幢、一座寺廟、一本家譜……而如今,吳越文化博物館的開放,將這些零散的記憶匯聚成了一幅完整生動的畫卷。


SACA Podcast - 錢鏐的秘色 _ Qian Liu & Mise

Wu-Yue Culture Museum opens


On 11 October 2024, the Museum of Wu-Yue Culture was opened to the public in Lin'an. This museum in the hometown of the King of Wu-Yue, Qian Liu, has been long awaited by the public.


The thousand years of WUYUE, from the origin of Lin'an, flows to the entire Yangtze River Delta region. In many corners of Zhejiang Province, we can find the marks of the Wu-Yue culture: a tower, a temple, a family tree ...... and now, the Wu-Yue Culture Museum is open, these scattered memories into a complete and vivid picture scroll.


The opening exhibition ‘Wu Yue Qian Qiu - the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period of the Southeast Heaven’ 350 pieces (sets) of cultural relics on display in the 150 pieces of Grade I cultural relics, most of which are never exhibited before, The systematically display of the political, economic and cultural landscape and development of the Wuyue State, allowing people to fully understand the unique role of the Wuyue State in the chaotic era of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms in the continuation of Chinese civilisation, and promote the historical and practical significance of the Qian family's acceptance of the land returned to the Song Dynasty. It allows people to transcend history and listen to the echoes of that era. In Lin'an, the birthplace of the Wu-Yue State, a living encyclopaedia of the history of the Wu-Yue State is slowly unfolding its title page, so how do we ‘read’ the Wu-Yue culture in the museum?


錢鏐墓


錢鏐墓位於浙江省杭州市臨安區錦城街道東北的太廟山南坡,面積120畝。墓上有高9米、長寬各50米的大型封土堆,有華表、石馬、石羊和錢王祠。


2001年,與錢寬夫婦墓、康陵同作為臨安吳越國王陵的組成部分列入第五批全國重點文物保護單位。1988年,臨安縣設立錢王陵公園管理所,管理所負責吳越國王陵的文物保護、環境保護等相關工作;曾於1994年、1997年對錢王陵園修繕,恢復了神道、門闕、牌樓,修建錢王祠等建築。



被盜掘與破案


錢鏐墓於2019年5月在一起系列盜墓案中遭到盜掘,盜洞直達墓室。2020年5月23日,經過杭州警方偵查,從在廣州準備倒賣銷贓者手中查獲金玉腰帶、古劍等盜掘文物。該案抓獲犯罪嫌疑人39人(包括錢鏐墓盜掘者2人),追回墓中文物175件,包含秘色瓷、金玉腰帶等珍品,當地政府對監管責任人進行追責。


另據公安部通報,其中包括一級文物138件。根據相關專家現場勘測,墓葬本體保存尚好。2020年12月,經國家文物局批准,墓葬本體得到修復。


盜墓以至杭州公安追回文物的消息一直未有對外公佈,直至2021年5月上旬有網民爆料,再由澎湃新聞於同年5月11-12日向杭州市公安局與浙江省文物考古研究所前所長劉斌求證才得以確認。至同年5月12日下午17時,杭州市公安局聯同浙江省文物考古研究所、臨安區政府代表召開記者會公佈該消息。



Tome Raider


Qian Liu's Tomb was raided in May 2019 in a series of grave robberies alledgly used a direct drilled hole above the tomb.On 23 May 2020, after investigation by Hangzhou police, gold and jade belts, ancient swords, and other excavated artefacts were seized from the hands of those who were preparing to sell the stolen goods in Guangzhou. The case resulted in the arrest of 39 suspects (including two Qian Liu Tomb diggers), the recovery of 175 pieces of artefacts from the tomb, including secret-coloured porcelain, gold and jade belts and other treasures, and the local government's pursuit of responsibility for the supervision of the responsible person.


According to the Ministry of Public Security, 138 pieces of Grade I cultural relics were recovered. According to the relevant experts on-site investigation, the tomb body is still well preserved. in December 2020, approved by the State Administration of Cultural Heritage, the tomb body has been restored.


Tomb raiding to Hangzhou public security recovery of cultural relics has not been announced, until early May 2021, a netizen broke the news, and then by the surging news on May 11-12 of the same year to the Hangzhou Municipal Public Security Bureau and the Zhejiang Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, the former director of the Liu Bin to confirm the confirmation. At 17:00 on 12 May of the same year, the Hangzhou Public Security Bureau, together with the Zhejiang Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology and representatives of the Lin'an District Government, held a press conference to announce the news.



一部吳越史

首個吳越國史專題博物館

 

距今一千多年前的吳越國歷經三世五王,始終奉行“保境安民、善事中國”政策,在五代十國動蕩不堪的亂世中,開闢了一片淨土、護佑了一方百姓。更以其相對親民的政治、繁榮的經濟、發達的科技和多元的文化,為賡續中華文脈,富殖宋韻文化乃至更為長遠的中華文明做出了獨特貢獻。



建設吳越文化博物館是浙江省推動吳越文化保護與傳承的重要項目。陳列以“百年有待——吳越國歷史攬勝”和“一脈風華——吳越國文物觀止”兩條敘事主線,從吳越國歷史、錢氏家訓、珍貴文物等多個角度,全方位闡釋吳越國時期繁盛的城市建設、發達的手工藝、燦爛的海洋貿易文明以及澤被後世的文化傳承等。


在一樓,文物按照歷史的敘事排列。從吳越家山到衣錦城模型,再到勸伐董昌,吳越國的建立過程歷歷在目。這其中錢王的金書鐵券,原件展出於中國國家博物館,代表著中原王朝對錢鏐的功績的認可,也印證了吳越文化當屬中華文化中不可分割的一部分。



杭州城的擴建變遷圖、錢王短劍、捍海石塘結構……吳越國對於杭州城市建設的貢獻盡收眼底,這是吳越文化中“保境安民”的實證。吳越國始終與中原保持密切的聯繫,吳越國向中原朝廷納貢,同時又得到中原王朝的賞賜。展出文物中白瓷“官”款銀釦執壺,是吳越國“善事中國”得到中原王朝嘉勉的最佳印證。


《宋太宗賜錢俶誓書》等文獻記錄著吳越國納土歸宋的結局,底部有“太平戊寅”刻款的越窯青瓷盤殘件讓人對順應歷史大勢的舉動有了實感。


“吳越國在歷史長河中只有短短一瞬,但納土歸宋的政權平穩過渡,讓這些文物得以完整保存下來,也讓吳越文化得以在浙江久久回響。”浙江省博物館歷史文物部主任、吳越國歷史文化研究展示中心主任黎毓馨說。



A History of Wu-Yue

The first museum dedicated to the history of the Wu-Yue State


More than 1,000 years ago, the Wu-Yue State, through three generations and five kings, always pursued the policy of ‘protecting the territory and people, serving China well’, and in the turbulent and chaotic world of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms, it created  a piece of pure land and protected the people of their kingdom. With its relatively pro-people politics, prosperous economy, advanced technology and diversified culture, it has made unique contributions to the continuation of the Chinese cultural lineage, enrichment of the Song culture and even the long-term Chinese civilisation.


The establishment of the Wuyue Culture Museum is an important project to promote the protection and inheritance of Wuyue culture in Zhejiang Province. The display is based on two main narrative lines, namely, ‘A Hundred Years to Come--Wu Yue State History’ and ‘A Vein of Flair--Wu Yue State Cultural Relics’. With two main narrative lines, the exhibition explains the prosperous urban construction, developed handicrafts, splendid maritime trade civilisation and the cultural heritage of the Wu-Yue State from various perspectives, such as the history of the Wu-Yue State, the Qian family's teachings and the precious cultural relics.


On the ground floor, the artefacts are arranged in a historical narrative. From the Wuyue Family Hill to the model of the city of clothes, to the persuasion of Dong Chang, the founding of the Wuyue State is vividly depicted. Among the artefacts on display at the National Museum of China is King Qian's golden book and iron coupon, which represents the recognition of Qian's achievements by the Central Plains dynasty, and confirms that the culture of Wu-Yue is an inseparable part of Chinese culture.


The expansion and transformation of Hangzhou city, the short sword of King Qian, and the structure of the Stone Pond in defence of the sea ...... show the contribution of the Wu-Yue state to the construction of Hangzhou city, which is a solid proof of the Wu-Yue culture of ‘protecting the territory and securing the people’. The Wu-Yue state has always maintained close ties with the Central Plains, and the Wu-Yue state paid tribute to the Central Plains court, while at the same time receiving rewards from the Central Plains dynasty. The white porcelain ‘official’ mark on the silver button snuff bottle on display is the best proof that the Wu-Yue state was honoured by the Chinese dynasty for its ‘good deeds to China’.


Documents such as the Oath of Emperor Taizong of the Song Dynasty to Qian Chu record the end of the Wu-Yue state's acceptance of the land and its return to the Song Dynasty, and the remnants of a Yue kiln celadon dish with the inscription ‘Taiping wuyin’ on the bottom give us a sense of what it was like to comply with the historical trend.


‘Wu Yue state in the long river of history is only a short moment, but the smooth transition of the regime of the land to the Song Dynasty, so that these cultural relics can be preserved intact, but also let the Wu Yue culture can be echoed in Zhejiang for a long time.’ Le Yuxin, director of the Department of History and Cultural Relics of the Zhejiang Provincial Museum and director of the Research and Exhibition Centre for the History and Culture of the Wu-Yue State, said.



一本“百科全書”

系統展示秘色瓷精品的博物館

 

“吳越文化博物館擁有6200平方米的展陳面積,‘吳越千秋——五代十國時期的東南樂土’展覽是系統展出秘色瓷精品的專題陳列,包含了大量一級文物。”臨安博物館館長鮑偉華說。


秘色瓷發端於中晚唐,繁盛於吳越國時期,是我國古代制瓷工藝的一座豐碑。“秘色瓷的重要性之於吳越國,就像瓷器與浙江的關係,舉足輕重,影響深遠。”



如何在大量的秘色瓷展品中讀懂吳越國的文化與故事?


首先看器型。例如秘色瓷花瓣口海棠杯和海棠盤的組合,是稀有器型,其造型獨一無二在世界範圍內罕見。再比如秘色瓷皮囊壺,這種皮囊壺的造型來自北方,是吳越國與遼國等遊牧文化地域存在文化交流的最佳證明。


其次看規格。三件“鎮館之寶”在吳越文化博物館擁有了獨立的展廳,是一級文物中的最高等級——國寶級文物,其中錢鏐母親水丘氏墓出土的秘色瓷褐彩雲紋熏爐,熏爐通高66釐米,通體融合了釉下褐彩、鏤刻、陰刻等多種工藝,被國家文物局列為《第三批禁止出境展覽文物目錄》中的一員,是不可錯過寶藏文物。



最後看用途。距今千年,考古學者們很難為這些秘色瓷的用途給出一致的定義,但在觀賞中結合實際稍作猜測,便可一窺吳越國的生活。


大量的秘色瓷蓋罐,有的器物還盛放著未食用的堅果,或許曾是吳越國王室的“零食罐”;秘色瓷造型的硯台,在當時珍貴無比,或許錢王曾親自用其磨墨,寫下“陌上花開,可緩緩歸矣”的動人情話;有愛心形狀鏤空的秘色瓷熏爐蓋子,或許藏著哪位制瓷工匠的獨門技藝……


An ‘encyclopaedia’

A museum that systematically displays the best of Mise ‘secret-coloured’ porcelain


‘The Wuyue Culture Museum has an exhibition area of 6,200 square metres, and the ‘Wuyue Thousand Autumns - Southeast Lotus during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period’ exhibition is a systematic display of fine works of secret-coloured porcelain, including a large number of Grade I cultural relics. ’ Lin'an Museum Director Bao Weihua said.


Mise, or Secret-coloured porcelain began in the middle and late Tang Dynasty, flourished in the period of the Wu-Yue State, is a monument to our country's ancient porcelain craftsmanship. ‘The importance of secret-coloured porcelain to the Wu-Yue State, just like the relationship between porcelain and Zhejiang, is of great importance and has a far-reaching impact.’


How to read the culture and story of Wuyue Kingdom in a large number of secret colour porcelain exhibits?


First of all, look at the vessel type. For example, the combination of secret colour porcelain petal mouth begonia cup and begonia plate, is a rare type, its shape unique in the world rare. Another example is the secret-coloured porcelain leather pouch bottle, which comes from the north and is a perfect example of the cultural exchanges that existed between the nomadic cultures of the Wu-Yue state and the Khitan state.


Secondly, we have to look at the specifications. The three ‘treasures of the museum’ have their own exhibition halls in the Wu-Yue Culture Museum, and are the highest grade of Grade I cultural relics - national treasures. Among them is a brown-coloured porcelain incense burner with a cloud pattern excavated from the tomb of Qian Liu’s mother, Shuiqiu, with a height of 66 cm, and the whole body of which is a combination of underglaze brown colours, chasing and engraving, as well as a variety of other materials. Underglaze brown colours, chasing, engraving and other crafts, the State Administration of Cultural Heritage listed as ‘the third batch of prohibited cultural relics out of the country in the exhibition catalogue’ in the member, is not to be missed treasure of cultural relics.


Lastly, look at the use. Thousands of years ago, archaeologists are very difficult to give a consistent definition of the use of these secret colour porcelain, but in the appreciation of the combination of the actual speculation, can be a glimpse of the life of the state of Wuyue.


A large number of secret-coloured porcelain lidded jars, some of which also held uneaten nuts, perhaps once the royal family of the Wu-Yue State ‘snack jar’; secret-coloured porcelain shape of the quartz table, at that time, precious, perhaps the King of Qian had personally used it to sharpen the ink, wrote ‘the stranger blossomed, you can slowly return to the car’ of the moving speech; the secret-coloured porcelain shape of the table, in the time of the precious, perhaps the King of Qian had personally used it to sharpen the ink, wrote ‘the stranger blossomed, you can slowly return to the car ‘The lid of the secret-coloured porcelain smoker, chased with a heart shape, may have hid the unique skills of one of the porcelain craftsmen. ......



一片文化新地標

系統性保護傳承吳越文化的高地

 

“吳越國遺跡遺物的豐富性、完整性和珍貴性是首屈一指的。”黎毓馨說。此次展覽文物種類豐富,包括瓷器、金銀器、玉器、漆器、水晶、玻璃、絲織品及石構件,這些文物遺存,也成為吳越國文化、科技等方面成就的強有力證明。


一個和現代所用幾乎並無二致的刻花玻璃盤,蘊含著吳越國文化為中國文化向海洋發展作出的貢獻。玻璃盤的西域風和現代感極強,由此推斷吳越國與海外國家保持著貿易往來,在延續與發展中華海洋文化上扮演了特殊角色。



一個銀盒里的絲帶殘片,背後是自唐代以來東南地區發達的絲織業,讓“世方喋血以事干戈,我且閉關而修蠶織”有了具象化的寫照。憨態可掬的水晶獅子、刻有“千秋萬歲富貴團圓”的白玉掛飾、精緻細膩的金銀器,這些頗具“網紅”潛質的文物,為吳越國增添了一份鮮活之氣。


10月初,錢永剛、錢大成等一眾錢氏後裔率先受邀來到吳越文化博物館參觀。在《錢氏家訓》的章節前,他們駐足良久,那些振聾發聵的語句,既是傳家之訓,亦被寫進了博物館裡,被更多人熟知。“《錢氏家訓》是吳越文化當代價值的重要載體,有了博物館的加持,文化與文物為歷史填空,更系統地展示了吳越國的千年風華。”錢大成說。


如果博物館裡的文物讓你意猶未盡,想去追尋更多吳越文化的印跡,走出博物館不到15分鐘,婆留井、功臣塔訴說著錢王來路與功績;沿著中軸線繼續向前,錢王陵公園裡的錢王祠刻印下了吳越國的長久回響,即將開放的衣錦城遺址公園,處處皆是歷史的風景;煥新歸來的衣錦街上,古水渠與吳越元素交相輝映。“一街三區塊”(衣錦坊歷史文化街區、錢王陵區塊、博物館區塊、衣錦城遺址公園區塊),構成了吳越國衣錦城考古遺址公園,這將是吳越文化的片狀新地標。



A new cultural landmark

Systematic protection and inheritance of the Wu-Yue Culture Highland


‘The richness, completeness and preciousness of the relics of the Wu-Yue State are second to none,’ Le Yuxin said. Le Yuxin said. The rich variety of artefacts on display, including porcelain, gold and silver, jade, lacquer, crystal, glass, silk fabrics and stone structures, are also a strong testament to the cultural, scientific and technological achievements of the Wu-Yue State.


An engraved glass dish, almost identical to that used in modern times, embodies the contribution of the Wu-Yue culture to the development of Chinese culture towards the sea. The glass dish is so Western and modern that it suggests that the Wu-Yue state maintained trade with overseas countries and played a special role in the continuation and development of Chinese maritime culture.


Behind the silk ribbon fragments in a silver box is the silk weaving industry developed in Southeast China since the Tang Dynasty, which gives a vivid portrayal of ‘the world is busy with bloodshed in order to engage in wars, but I have closed my doors to cultivate silk weaving’. The naive crystal lions, the white jade hangings engraved with the words ‘Long live wealth and prosperity’, and the delicate gold and silver wares, all of which have the potential to become ‘Internet famous’, have added to the vibrancy of the Wu-Yue State.



Timeline of Main Events

Tang Dynasty

  • 2nd Century CE: Yue ware is first manufactured in the Yue kilns of Northern Zhejiang, in the site of Jiyuan near Shaoxing, called in ancient times "Yuezhou".

  • 6th Century CE: Production in Jiyuan stops, but expands to other areas of Zhejiang, especially the Shanglin Lake Yue Kilns near Ningbo.

  • 852 CE (March 10th): Qian Liu is born in Lin'an County.

  • 876-877 CE: Qian Liu and Dong Chang join a militia to defend against the warlord Wang Ying. Dong is made the defender of Shijing Base and Qian becomes a commander under him.

  • 878 CE: Qian repels an attack on Zhenhai by the rebel Huang Chao.

  • 881 CE: Qian advises Dong Chang to return to Hang Prefecture and Dong takes the position of acting prefect.

  • 882-883 CE: Qian successfully defends Hang Prefecture against attacks by Liu Hanhong, the governor of Zhedong.

  • 886 CE: Qian captures Yue Prefecture, defeating Liu Hanhong. Dong Chang takes over Zhedong and renames it Weisheng Circuit, promoting Qian to prefect of Hang Prefecture.

  • 887 CE: Qian seizes control of most of Zhenhai Circuit following a mutiny. He is made Baron of Wuxing by the Tang Emperor.

  • 888 CE: Qian takes Su Prefecture and maintains control against imperial attempts to regain it.

  • 892 CE: Qian is created Marquess of Pengcheng and made defender of the new Wusheng Circuit with headquarters at Hang Prefecture.

  • 893 CE: Qian officially becomes the military governor of Zhenhai.

  • 894 CE: Qian receives the honorary chancellor title of Tong Zhongshu Menxia Pingzhangshi.

  • 895 CE (Spring): Qian is made Duke of Pengcheng, Dong Chang declares himself emperor of a new state and Qian opposes him.

  • 896 CE: Qian, with imperial authorization, attacks and defeats Dong Chang, executing him and taking control of his territory.

  • 897-899 CE: Continued conflicts with Yang Xingmi over control of various prefectures.

  • 901 CE: Qian is bestowed with the honorary chancellor title of Shizhong. Qian's mother, Lady Shuiqiu, dies.

  • 902 CE: Qian repels a major challenge to his rule by Xu Wan and Xu Zaisi with help from Yang Xingmi. He is promoted to Prince of Yue.

  • 903-904 CE: Qian assists Yang Xingmi in putting down Tian Jun's rebellion, further solidifying his control over the region. Is named Prince of Wu.

  • 904-905 CE: Conflict with Yang Xingmi continues over Mu and Qu Prefectures.

  • 907 CE: Qian Liu takes control of Wen and Chu Prefectures.

Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period

  • 907 CE: Zhu Quanzhong ends the Tang Dynasty and establishes Later Liang. Qian Liu recognizes him as emperor and is granted the title Prince of Wuyue, marking the traditional founding of the Wuyue state.

  • 907-910 CE: Wuyue engages in a series of battles with the Hongnong state (formerly ruled by Yang Xingmi).

  • 912 CE: Qian Liu is granted the title of Shangfu by the Later Liang emperor.

  • 913 CE: Wu (formerly Hongnong) attempts to attack Yijin but is defeated by Wuyue forces.

  • 916 CE: Qian Liu sends tributes to the Later Liang emperor through a circuitous route, demonstrating loyalty. He is granted the title of Generalissimo of All Circuits, later modified to Generalissimo of All Forces in the Realm. Wuyue enters into a friendly relationship with the Min state through marriage.

  • 918 CE: Wu conquers Tan Quanbo's domain, cutting off Wuyue's land route for sending tributes to Later Liang.

  • 919 CE: Wuyue launches a major attack on Wu with initial success, but ultimately suffers defeat. Peace is established between the two states.

  • 920 CE: Wu and Wuyue exchange captives, further solidifying peace. Wuyue also establishes a relationship with the Chu state through marriage.

  • 923 CE: Qian Liu is granted the title King of Wuyue by the Later Liang emperor, formally recognizing his sovereignty. He establishes government structures similar to the imperial court.

  • 923 CE: Li Cunxu establishes Later Tang and conquers Later Liang.

  • 924 CE: Qian Liu offers tribute to the Later Tang emperor and has his titles confirmed. He is also granted special privileges, including a golden seal and a certificate of creation on jade.

  • 926 CE: Qian Liu feigns good health to deter a potential attack by Wu.

  • 928 CE: Qian Liu designates his son Qian Chuanguan as his heir and has the military governorships transferred to him.

  • 929-931 CE: Qian Liu is stripped of his titles by the Later Tang emperor due to arrogance in communication, but the titles are later restored.

  • 932 CE (May 6th): Qian Liu dies and is succeeded by Qian Chuanguan (who takes the name Qian Yuanguan). He is granted the posthumous name Wusu by the Later Tang emperor.


Cast of Characters

Qian Liu (852-932): Founder and first king of the Wuyue kingdom. Known for his military prowess, ambition, and contributions to the economic and cultural development of the region.

Dong Chang (d. 896): Military governor of Weisheng Circuit and initial superior of Qian Liu. Became increasingly megalomaniacal and declared himself emperor, leading to his defeat and execution by Qian Liu.

Yang Xingmi (855-905): Military governor of Huainan Circuit and a powerful rival of Qian Liu. Engaged in numerous battles with Wuyue over control of various prefectures.

Zhu Quanzhong (852-912): Founder of the Later Liang dynasty, ending the Tang Dynasty. Qian Liu recognized him as emperor and became a vassal of Later Liang.

Li Cunxu (885-926): Founder of the Later Tang dynasty, succeeding Later Liang. Qian Liu also recognized him as emperor and continued as a vassal state.

Qian Chuanguan (later Qian Yuanguan, 887-941): Son of Qian Liu and his designated heir. Succeeded his father as King Wenmu of Wuyue.

Other Notable Figures:

  • Lady Shuiqiu: Qian Liu’s mother.

  • Zhou Bao: Military governor of Zhenhai Circuit who was overthrown in a mutiny.

  • Xue Lang: Officer who led the mutiny against Zhou Bao and briefly took control of Zhenhai.

  • Tian Jun: Military governor of Ningguo Circuit who rebelled against Yang Xingmi and besieged Hang Prefecture.

  • Xu Wan and Xu Zaisi: Former officers under Sun Ru who mutinied against Qian Liu but were defeated.

  • Wang Shenzhi (862-925): Founder and ruler of the Min Kingdom. Allied with Wuyue through marriage.

  • Tan Quanbo: Independent warlord whose domain was conquered by Wu.

  • Ma Yin (853-930): Founder and ruler of the Chu Kingdom. Allied with Wuyue through marriage.

  • An Chonghui: Army chief of staff for Later Tang who had a conflict with Qian Liu, leading to the temporary stripping of Qian Liu's titles.


Wu-Yue Culture Museum FAQ

What is the significance of the Wu-Yue Culture Museum?

The Wu-Yue Culture Museum is significant for several reasons. It's the first museum dedicated to the history of the Wu-Yue State, a powerful kingdom during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period (907-960 AD). This museum houses a vast collection of artifacts that illustrate the political, economic, and cultural achievements of this kingdom, including many Grade I cultural relics, the highest designation for Chinese cultural artifacts.

The museum also boasts the most comprehensive collection of mise porcelain, also known as “secret-colored” porcelain, a type of highly refined celadon that reached its peak during the Wu-Yue period. The museum's collection of mise porcelain includes rare and unique forms, highlighting the advanced craftsmanship of the era.


Who was Qian Liu and why is he important to the history of Wu-Yue?

Qian Liu (852-932 AD) was the founding king of the Wu-Yue State. He was originally a warlord during the late Tang dynasty, gradually expanding his power until he controlled the entire Wu-Yue region. His reign is marked by peace, economic prosperity, and cultural development, leaving a lasting legacy on the region. He is also remembered for his strategic alliances and military victories, particularly against Dong Chang and during battles with the neighboring Wu state.


What is mise porcelain and why is it so special?

Mise porcelain, literally meaning "secret-colored" porcelain, is a type of highly refined celadon ware produced from the 9th to 11th centuries AD. It was prized for its subtle glaze colors, ranging from pale green to bluish-green, and its smooth, elegant forms. Mise porcelain was reserved for the imperial court as tribute, signifying its high quality and value. The "secret" in its name comes from the lost techniques and raw materials used in its production, which were rediscovered only in the late 20th century.


What are some notable features of the Wu-Yue Culture Museum's collection?

The museum's collection boasts several notable features:

  • Comprehensiveness: It includes various artifacts, like porcelain, gold and silver, jade, lacquer, crystal, glass, silk, and stone structures, showcasing the diverse artistic and technological achievements of the Wu-Yue people.

  • Rare mise porcelain: The museum houses an extensive collection of mise porcelain, including some extremely rare and unique forms.

  • Historical narrative: Artifacts are arranged to tell the story of the Wu-Yue State, starting from its founding, through its development, and finally to its peaceful incorporation into the Song dynasty.

  • Interactive elements: The museum utilizes models, maps, and multimedia installations to engage visitors and help them understand the context of the artifacts on display.


What happened to Qian Liu’s tomb?

In 2019, Qian Liu's tomb was the target of a major robbery. The thieves used a drilled hole to access the burial chamber and stole a number of valuable artifacts. Thankfully, through an extensive investigation, Hangzhou police recovered 175 artifacts, including mise porcelain and a gold and jade belt. The tomb itself was well-preserved and restored with approval from the State Administration of Cultural Heritage.

What other cultural sites related to Wu-Yue can be found in the region?

Beyond the museum itself, the surrounding area boasts several sites related to Wu-Yue culture, including:

  • Poliu Well and Gongchen Pagoda: These structures tell the story of Qian Liu's rise to power and his achievements.

  • Qian Wangling Park: This park houses the Qian Wang Ancestral Shrine, where Qian Liu and his descendants are commemorated.

  • Yijin Street: This historic street has been renovated to feature traditional Wu-Yue architecture and design elements.

  • Yijin City Archaeological Site Park: This park encompasses the remains of the ancient Yijin City, the capital of the Wu-Yue State, offering visitors a glimpse into the urban planning and architecture of that era.


What is the Qian Family Instructions (Qian Shi Jia Xun) and why is it important?

The Qian Shi Jia Xun is a set of family instructions passed down through generations of the Qian family, descendants of Qian Liu. It emphasizes Confucian values such as loyalty, filial piety, integrity, and diligence, while also stressing the importance of education, hard work, and social responsibility. The Qian Shi Jia Xun provides valuable insight into the cultural values that contributed to the success and longevity of the Wu-Yue State and continues to be relevant in modern times.


How does the Wu-Yue Culture Museum contribute to the preservation and understanding of Wu-Yue culture?

The museum serves as a central hub for research, exhibition, and education about Wu-Yue culture. It:

  • Brings together scattered artifacts and information: This allows for a comprehensive understanding of the history and cultural significance of the Wu-Yue State.

  • Engages the public through interactive exhibitions and educational programs: This fosters appreciation for Wu-Yue culture among people of all ages and backgrounds.

  • Serves as a platform for academic research and collaboration: This ensures that the study of Wu-Yue culture continues to advance and that its legacy is preserved for future generations.







2 Comments


zhangyan_51
Oct 27, 2024

看了吴越文化博物馆很多文章,如果大段引用别人文献,还是注明来源比较好吧。

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Allen WANG
Allen WANG
Oct 27, 2024
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已標注。


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