Special exhibition showcases dragons in Beijing's Summer Palace
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2024-02-02/Special-exhibition-showcases-dragons-in-Beijing-s-Summer-Palace-1qRGlCrDsre/img/1def5d79d2ec41d5a16002366a28d89b/1def5d79d2ec41d5a16002366a28d89b.png' alt='Photo taken on February 1, 2024 shows people visiting the special exhibition featuring dragon-themed cultural relics in the Summer Palace, Beijing. /CFP'
A special exhibition featuring dragon-themed cultural relics is now underway at the Summer Palace in Beijing. A total of 66 items, including jade articles, porcelain, calligraphy and painting, enamel, furniture, and more are showcased.
The Summer Palace houses a vast collection of artifacts adorned with dragon patterns, adding a cultural touch to the upcoming Year of the Dragon for visitors.
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2024-02-02/Special-exhibition-showcases-dragons-in-Beijing-s-Summer-Palace-1qRGlCrDsre/img/2721d1e5604b4a6a8e5e023c942bb5c6/2721d1e5604b4a6a8e5e023c942bb5c6.jpeg' alt='Photo taken on February 1, 2024 shows the jade vase with a carved dragon pattern displayed at the special exhibition in the Summer Palace, Beijing. /CFP'
At the exhibition, particular attention is drawn to a Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) jade vase with a carved dragon pattern, crafted from a single piece of green jade. The intricate dragon pattern, finely detailed craftsmanship, and the colossal size of the vase bring the dragon motif to life. The base of the jade vase is also inscribed with a poem composed by Emperor Qianlong, a rare sight in ancient jade artifacts.
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2024-02-02/Special-exhibition-showcases-dragons-in-Beijing-s-Summer-Palace-1qRGlCrDsre/img/5753ac399c25428fbaff5edb703080e0/5753ac399c25428fbaff5edb703080e0.jpeg' alt='Photo taken on February 1, 2024 shows the agarwood-carved dragon scepter on display at the special exhibition in the Summer Palace, Beijing. /CFP'
The exhibition also includes daily necessities such as a silver-gilded floral dragon-patterned bowl, a vermilion lacquer box with double dragons, and an agarwood-carved dragon scepter. These items comprehensively showcase the application of dragon patterns in the daily life of the Qing Dynasty palace.
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2024-02-02/Special-exhibition-showcases-dragons-in-Beijing-s-Summer-Palace-1qRGlCrDsre/img/cb072856d66b404b9fbcb390d3e3e668/cb072856d66b404b9fbcb390d3e3e668.jpeg' alt='Photo taken on February 1, 2024 shows the dragon themed culture relics on display at the special exhibition in the Summer Palace, Beijing. /CFP'
In particular, the agarwood-carved dragon scepter, which has not been publicly displayed for nearly 20 years, is a meticulously crafted wooden stuff, featuring a vivid dragon image and exquisite workmanship.
In addition to the relic exhibition, the bronze dragon and phoenix statues as well as dragon-patterned decorations and paintings inside the palace, add an entertaining element for visitors to “find the dragon” during the Spring Festival.
