Shanghai Museum launches ancient Persia exhibition
The Glory of Ancient Persia: Treasures from Iran exhibition runs from June 13 to Oct 7 at Shanghai Museum, featuring over 270 artifacts. [Photo/WeChat account: shanghaitourism]
The Shanghai Museum, located in the city's People's Square, will host a captivating exhibition that delves into the rich heritage of ancient Persia as well as its deep-rooted connections with China. Titled The Glory of Ancient Persia: Treasures from Iran, this exhibition is scheduled to run from June 13 to Oct 7, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the intertwined histories of these two ancient civilizations.
Featuring a stunning collection of over 270 artifacts that were sourced from esteemed institutions such as the National Museum of Iran, the Gorgan Archaeological Museum, and the Shanghai Museum itself, this exhibition promises a comprehensive glimpse into the splendor of ancient Persian culture and its profound influence on Chinese art and heritage.
Spanning a diverse range of categories, the exhibits showcase ancient Persian civilization from multiple aspects. Noteworthy highlights include a remarkable cuneiform brick from Susa that dates back to 1150-1120 BC, symbolizing the Elamite Kingdom, and a stunning replica of the statue of Darius the Great (550-486 BC), a testament to the grandeur of the Achaemenid Empire.
Among the treasures on display is a silver coin of Vologases II (55-58) from the Parthian Empire, underscoring the empire's pivotal role in Silk Road trade routes. Additionally, visitors can marvel at the Tang Dynasty (618-907) brocade art piece that features a motif of birds, which was sourced from the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum, illustrating that cultural exchanges between the Sassanid Empire and China took place during this period.
Ancient Iran and China, situated at opposite ends of the vast Eurasian continent, played pivotal roles in facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures along the historic Silk Road. This exhibition not only celebrates the artistic and cultural achievements of these two civilizations, but also highlights the enduring bonds that have connected them through the annals of history.
Source: "shanghaitourism" WeChat account