Journey of treasures

Treasures of China, an exhibition in Colchester, England, explores the rise of Imperial China from the earliest Stone Age tombs to the time of the last emperor. The exhibition is on until January.

The historic collection offers a journey through 4,500 years of Chinese history. Stunning objects include a 2,000-year-old, life-sized jade suit from the tombs of the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220) rulers, an exquisite gold cicada sitting on a jade leaf worn by a Ming princess nearly 600 years ago and the luxury items and ornaments that adorned the palace of the last of the imperial families as the tumult of the 20th century changed China forever.

Alongside this rich history will be a celebration of Chinese crafts and the enduring appeal of animals in Chinese culture. A delicate jade mouse will join an old pottery pig and three wise monkeys immortalized on a lacquer plate among a host of other creatures that will delight and fascinate audiences of all ages.

Date: June 30-Jan 6

Venue: Colchester Castle Museum

Website: www.cimuseums.org.uk

(China Daily 08/03/2012 page31)