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    SHANGHAI MUSEUM

    Written by: Luo Zhewen
    Posted on: January 16, 2013 | | 中文

    The scope, depth and quality of its collections, and the striking architecture and use of modern technology make the Shanghai Museum one of the most famous - if not the most famous - museums in China. It covers an area of 39,000 square meters, with a scale that surpasses that of the old museum several times. The exterior of the museum is in the shape of an ancient bronze ding with its rather archaic flavor. The structure and materials of the entire building, however, are an accomplishment of the most modern technology.

    SHANGHAI MUSEUM The Shanghai Museum is mainly a museum for ancient arts. At present it is divided into ten sections. These are constituted by ancient Chinese bronzes, sculpture, ceramics, jades, seals, calligraphy, coin and currency, paintings, Ming and Qing dynasty furniture, and crafts of China's national minorities. In addition to these ten permanent exhibitions, the museum holds other small-scale exhibitions, also exhibiting articles from other area of China and the other countries on a short-term basis. The Museum also exhibits its own material in other museums, both within China and abroad.

    Among the holdings of the Museum, many items are superlative works of art and are unique in the entire country. These include, in particular, the bronzes, the calligraphy, the paintings, and the Ming and Qing furniture.

    SHANGHAI MUSEUM The bronze works of the dynasties of Shang and Zhou of ancient China are an important testimony to the ancient civilization of the country. When visitors enter the Ancient Bronzes Hall, the presentation and atmosphere of the rooms expresses the cultural ambience of the Bronze Age. The subdued dark-green tone of the walls imparts an ancient atmosphere, with the simple and elegant display cases and the lighting having been carefully designed to enhance the experience. Some 400 exquisite bronze items are displayed in a space of 1,200 square meters, perfectly reflecting the history of the development of China's ancient bronze arts.

    The Calligraphy Hall includes works from many dynasties. In chronological order, it displays the history of the marvelous genius of Chinese calligraphic arts. The aura of the hall is scholarly and elegant, assisted by automatic lighting in display cases that protects the art by switching on only when the visitor is viewing a work. Among these works are a number of unique world treasures.

    The Chinese Painting Hall of the Museum has a traditional architectural style to it, combined with an atmosphere of Confucian elegance. Around 120 masterpieces are displayed in the 1,200 square meter exhibition space. These date from the Tang dynasty to modern times but do not include contemporary works.

    The apex of Chinese furniture-making occurred during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Walking into the Ming and Qing Furniture Hall is like walking back into the gardens and rooms of these dynasties. In some 700 square meters of space are exhibited about 100 pieces of superlative furniture. Among these are Ming pieces that are fluid in line and harmonious in proportion. The Qing pieces have more complex ornamentation and are often made of thicker, heavier wood.

    The underground part of the Shanghai Museum contains courtyard gardens that imitate authentic Chinese traditions. Although these are hidden deeply underground, their architecture and environment seem light and airy.
     


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021