100 Treasures, 100 Stories

The exhibition project 100 Treasures, 100 Stories in the Historical Building of the National Museum was created in cooperation with the National Palace Museum. More than one hundred exhibited objects represent treasures from the collections of Chinese emperors, mainly from the Qing dynasty, which ruled from the mid-17th to the early 20th century. The exhibition is divided into ten thematic sections presenting various aspects of traditional Chinese culture. It is also complemented by interactive elements and modern technologies.

Among the most famous exhibits and one of the most admired treasures is the carving of a jade cabbage head with a grasshopper and locust. This is a rare work of craftsmanship and one of the most valuable cultural relics. The National Palace Museum only rarely lends it out, and this exquisite carving is being exhibited in Europe for the very first time. In terms of popularity, this decorative object can be compared to the Mona Lisa in the Louvre in Paris.

The twenty-centimeter cabbage head is carved from a single piece of naturally two-colored jade, emerald green and grayish white. This color combination symbolized delicacy and purity of character in ancient China. Hidden in the dark green leaves are two types of insects, a larger grasshopper with long antennae and a smaller locust. These refer to one of the most famous works of traditional Chinese literature, the Book of Songs from the period 11th–6th century BCE, in which these insects symbolize abundance of children and grandchildren. The experience of the exhibit is enhanced by a large-format animated projection.

Among the dozens of magnificent artifacts, highlights include a two-tier cabinet made of red sandalwood with porcelain panels, jade disks, archery rings, figurines, snuff bottles, and many other beautiful items. Some exhibits depict ancient legends, such as the jade sculpture of a carp overcoming wild river rapids and transforming into a dragon. This is a symbol of the scholar’s life journey, who, after passing difficult examinations, can achieve high status—becoming a minister or the emperor’s advisor.

A literally breathtaking impression is made in the second exhibition hall by a pair of scrolls measuring 14 and 12 meters long. The theme of the elegant life of a scholar and literatus in ancient China is captured in the scroll titled Noble Amusements in the Shade of Trees from the 16th century, accompanied by writing tools called the Treasures of the Study. Everyday life is embodied in the scroll Journey on the River during the Festival of Purity and Brightness. The scroll draws you into the daily life of ancient China, and through large-format animated projections, you can literally walk through the city and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the urban bustle at that time. Meet merchants selling ginseng or noble girls curiously watching from a swing behind the garden walls, stop by the rainbow bridge where boats, people, and goods flow.

Part of everyday life is linked to the theme of supernatural beings, as these stories belonged not only to the world of folk storytellers but also to literary works read and written by scholars. Already two thousand years ago, people pondered where the soul goes when a person leaves the physical world. Complementary themes of the last exhibition hall include palace pets, especially paintings and small sculptures of cats.

The exhibited objects are on loan from the National Palace Museum in Taipei. These museum collections primarily come from the collections of Chinese emperors and represent works of art and craftsmanship from throughout Chinese history.