Discover Chongqing by Museum①: Three Gorges Museum Launches Major Exhibition of Excavated Relics

Chongqing - The Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum recently unveiled the "Exhibition of Excavated Cultural Relics Conservation and Utilization in the Three Gorges." Since opening to the public on April 22, it has drawn numerous visitors and is slated to continue until the year's end. Zhao Xiongwei, deputy director of the Department of Cultural Relics Protection and Archaeology, noted that the launch of the Three Gorges Relics Rescue Program coincided with the initiation of the Three Gorges Project. This program unearthed 183,000 valuable artifacts. The exhibition aims to showcase these significant findings and highlight ongoing efforts in artifact protection and utilization.

This exhibition attracted many visitors. (Photo/Li Xinyi)

Covering an area of approximately 1,200 square meters, the exhibition features 895 sets/pieces of artifacts from various districts and counties within the Three Gorges area, including 198 sets of precious artifacts, with 15 classified as first-class cultural relics. This display is noted as the largest in terms of quantity and value of artifacts in recent years in Chongqing. The exhibit includes items such as a Warring States period jade-adorned sword, bronze seals, a bronze branch lamp from the Han dynasty, and an Eastern Han dynasty pottery money tree base, representing the region's profound cultural heritage and traditions.

The Eastern Han dynasty pottery money tree base. (Photo/Li Xinyi)

Additionally, the exhibition features two dedicated artifact restoration workshops - one for metal and another for ceramics - enabling visitors to observe the meticulous restoration processes up close and appreciate the sophisticated craftsmanship of restorers Mao Dongzhu and Zhao Xiaoyu, who emphasize the precision and preservation of traditional restoration techniques.

Pottery figurines. (Photo/Li Xinyi)

Mao Dongzhu commented, "This restoration project primarily focuses on painted and glazed pottery, which is not only vibrant in color but also adorned with patterns that are invaluable for our subsequent research." Zhao Xiaoyu has expressed a desire to organize more such events to bridge the knowledge gap in cultural relics restoration among the public and to foster a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and artifact preservation.

Porcelain bowls. (Photo/Li Xinyi)

Zhao Xiongwei also highlighted that the exhibition serves a dual purpose: it showcases artifacts and educates the public about cultural relics protection using digital tools and interactive displays. These initiatives make the preservation of artifacts more accessible while unveiling the stories and essence embedded within them. The museum aspires for these exhibitions to increase public engagement in cultural relics protection, deepen their understanding of this field, and enhance awareness within the industry.

Bronze spearheads. (Photo/Li Xinyi)

This exhibition significantly boosts public awareness of the importance of protecting cultural relics, contributing greatly to the preservation and inheritance of cultural heritage. It marks a pivotal step towards ensuring that these treasures are safeguarded for future generations.

Pottery figurine animals. (Photo/Li Xinyi)