An exhibition showcasing cultural relics from the State of Chu are now on display at the University Museum and Art Gallery of the University of Hong Kong until July 10.

The state of Chu was one of the most unique and exotic of early Chinese cultures. As part of the powerful Zhou cultural sphere, the Chu state grew in influence, from the Spring and Autumn period (770-475 BC) onwards, in areas south of the mighty Yangzi River in present-day Henan, Hubei and Hunan provinces. By the Warring States period (475-221 BC) the Chu had become a dominant cultural force. This exhibition is a remarkable opportunity to experience at first hand almost one hundred examples of the magnificent bronze and lacquerware items that represent the height of the Chu artistic legacy. They include the sword from the King of Yue and the spear from the King of Wu.
Among the highlights of the exhibition are a number of artefacts excavated from the tomb of the Marquis Yi of Zeng (d. c.433 BC). The discovery of this burial brought to light both the prosperity and artistic ingenuity of the Chu, but also gave many clues as to changes in social and ritual practices that were taking place as the Chinese bronze age began its steady decline. Among the ritual bronze vessels are examples of unprecedented ornateness, showing mastery of the complex technological processes involved in the creation of bronzes, most notably that of the lost wax technique. Other bronzes found at the site reveal the popularity of a relatively new innovation in bronze decoration at the time: inlay. Many of the inlay designs are stylised motifs indicating clearly how over the course of many years, this art of religious and artistic significance gradually become more abstracted. Nevertheless, alongside this tendency also existed a more naturalistic sculptural form exemplified in one of most famous bronzes of this period; an extraordinary antlered crane standing over a metre in height. Here naturalism has been used to depict a believably mythical creature. Several Chu burials have also yielded bronze lamps in human form that suggest contemporary ritual practices with two magnificent examples from Baoshan and Wangshan featured in this exhibition.

Bronze sword of Gou Jian, King of Yue
Spring and Autumn period (770�476 BC)
From Wangshan, Jiangling, Hubei province
(Collection of the Hubei Provincial Museum)
Length: 55.7 cm

The inlay designs of Chu bronzes reveal the close relationship between bronzes and lacquerware that represent one of the most significant Chu art forms. While lacquerware objects imitate elaborate bronze shapes and designs, bronze designs would themselves undergo transformation under the influence of lacquerware innovations. Among the most impressive lacquerwares in the exhibition is a rare openwork screen featuring naturalistic deer and birds, a tomb guardian with antler horns, a pictorial representation of an outing and a se zither. Also included in the exhibition are examples of bronze instruments, weaponry and mirrors, jade items for personal adornment and some rare examples of bamboo writing slips reflecting different aspects of life and death in pre-dynastic China.

Bronze zun (wine container) with gold inlay of dragon and phoenix design
Middle Warring States period
From Wangshan, Jiangling, Hubei province
(Collection of the Hubei Provincial Museum)
Height: 17 cm Diameter: 24.7 cm

The exhibition is jointly presented by the Administration of Cultural Relics, Hubei; The Hubei Provincial Museum, and the University Museum and Art Gallery of the University of Hong Kong.

Bronze standing crane with deer horns
Warring States period (476-221 BC)
From Tomb of Marquis Zeng Yi, Hubei province
(Collection of the Hubei Provincial Museum)
Height: 143.5 cm Width: 41.4 cm