The National Palace Museum Open Data Platform

Exhibit

Exhibit List

Jadeite cabbage, Qing dynasty
Gold Chalice of Eternal Stability, Qing dynasty
Jade Candlestick of Constant Harmony, Qing dynasty 

Exhibit

Savoring a Taste of Life: Cabbages of Jade

Chinese cabbage and bok choy are vegetables that originated in Asia and became a common source of food. In Chinese art, cabbage appeared as a subject in painting as early as the Song dynasty. As for their observation, artists went so far as to include insects resting or nibbling on the leaves, or flying and jumping in a garden, giving the scenes life and vitality while conveying the idea of harmony and co-existence in nature. Later, however, the cabbage would take on different meanings for different people! Rulers would see the cabbage as a symbol reminding them of self-reflection, for to receive the bounty of nature means to ensure that people are also fed and clothed, not lacking the basic necessities of life. Scholars came to view the cabbage as representing lofty ambitions instead of the vain pursuit of fame and fortune, finding satisfaction with what they already have. The ultimate expression of all was the ingenious skill of artisans who did not see the imperfections of jade as an impediment, instead using them and the gradations of white and green with but one goal in mind: to present the purity of cabbage to symbolize the chastity of a bride, wishing her numerous descendants and prosperity.

This stage in the exhibition of "A Gathering of Treasures in the National Palace Museum North and South" features works on the subject of cabbage, the star of the show being "Jadeite Cabbage." All are hereby invited to savor a taste of life and to share in these memories of beauty!

Exhibit

The Ganges River flowing through the Indian subcontinent gave rise to the long and established culture of India. Several important religions that came to have a major influence on not only Asia but also the world originated there, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and later Sikhism. This great river civilization gave birth to, nourished, and allowed them to flourish. Accompanying the flow of religions, peoples, and materials, the influence of Indian culture also spread to regions in East, West, and Southeast Asia, bringing derivations and developments that yielded great inspiration for the arts and cultures of those places.

On display here are two fascinating and stylistically unique works of art, "Umā-Maheśvara" from 10th-century Kashmir and "Hanuman Figure in Underglaze Blue and Overglaze Colors" from 15th-century Vietnam. It is hoped that audiences can appreciate the beauty of Indian and Vietnamese art as well as the allure of the literary and religious traditions behind these two areas. People can also understand better the intimate sparks of exchange between South and Southeast Asia as well as experience the pluralism of Asian styles!