A large panel board beside the marble wall in the open space near Palaceside Building's main entrance and ATM corner catches the eye of passers-by and smokers. It promotes Treasures of Chinese Dynasties, hosted by The Mainichi Newspapers and others.
The exhibition runs from October 10 (Wed.) through December 24 (Mon., closed) at the Heiseikan of the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno Park. About 170 works come from some 30 museums across China; roughly 60% are Grade-One cultural relics — national treasures. Never before have so many outstanding Chinese treasures been gathered in one place.
Another hallmark: every piece was excavated from the earth. The show uniquely pairs artifacts from two dynasties that ruled China in each era, beginning with the Yin and Xia, said to be China's oldest.
Special attention goes to the overseas debut of an exceptionally large "Ashoka pagoda" discovered in 2008, linked to the legend that King Ashoka of ancient India erected 84,000 stupas. A handsome kneeling archer figurine should also draw crowds.
Advance tickets (general 1,300 yen, university 1,200 yen, high school 700 yen) went on sale today at major play guides. This month also offers an early-bird pair ticket (2,000 yen for two) and a premium ticket with three original Chinese teas (1,850 yen, limited to 1,000 sets). Anyone interested in Chinese culture should not miss it.