Prehistoric jade exhibition opens in Taipei

2015/07/06

A prehistoric jade exhibition kicked off July 1 at Taiwan Power Co.’s main hall in Taipei City, highlighting the rich cultural diversity of Taiwan.

Jointly organized by Taitung County-based National Museum of Prehistory and Taipower, “Lightening National Treausres—Prehistoric Taiwan Jade” comprises 55 replicas, including five of priceless NMP-permanent collection items. The bracelet, two brooches, earrings and necklace are confirmed Neolithic Peinan cultural relics and listed as national treasures since 2012 by the Ministry of Culture.

NMP curator Chang Shan-nan said it is not every day that items representing Taiwan’s prehistoric heritage go on display. “I strongly recommend the public takes advantage of this special opportunity to learn more about a lesser-known aspect of Taiwan’s past.”

Of equal interest are the Nephrite jade pieces from Fengtian in Hualien County’s Shoufeng Township. The area in eastern Taiwan was a center of prehistoric jade culture in Taiwan, with the products sold islandwide and used for overseas trade throughout Southeast Asia.

Another highlight of the exhibition is the story of the rise, fall and rise again of Taiwan’s jade industry. Demand for the precious stone had petered out in recent years, but increased mainland Chinese tourism has fuelled consumer demand.

This is the second time for Taipower to stage an exhibition in conjunction with a local museum. Last September, it joined with Taipei City-based National Palace Museum in staging a show featuring a digital version of the classic painting “Along the River During the Ching-Ming Festival,” as well as reproduction of calligraphies by Emperor Hui of the Northern Song dynasty (960-1127).

Running until Oct.31, the exhibition also has a workshop enabling visitors to make and take home Peinan-style jade souvenirs.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=232198&ctNode=413)