Ancient Chinese Jades and Bronzes

The Smithsonian Institute presents an exhibition of Chinese jades and bronzes.

Nearly one hundred of the Freer's jades and bronzes—among the greatest treasures of Chinese art outside China—are returning to public view after almost a decade. Featured in these reinstalled galleries are over sixty astounding objects illustrating the remarkable jade production of the Liangzhu Culture (ca. 3300–2250 BCE) and its influence on other Chinese Neolithic and Bronze Age civilizations. Also highlighted are powerful animal motifs and forms featured on some twenty ritual bronze vessels, as well as fittings from the late Shang dynasty (ca. 1300–1050 BCE) and early Western Zhou dynasty (ca. 1050–900 BCE).

Ancient Chinese Jades and Bronzes opens November 20, 2010, and continues indefinitely at the Freer. The opening of these two galleries constitutes the first phase of the Freer's effort to renovate and reinstall its entire suite of Chinese galleries over the next few years.