Year-ender: 10 fascinating cultural exhibitions in 2021

3. A Legend of the Han and Huai Valleys: Selected Bronzes of the State of E

The State of E. often not featured prominently in historical records, had long been buried in oblivion. In 2007, when archaeologists excavated a tomb of the early Western Zhou Dynasty (c.11th century-771 BC) in Mount Yangzi of Suizhou, Hubei province, the history of E, having been obscured in the long passage of three thousand years, caught public attention.

The exhibition, held by the Shanghai Museum, unraveled the mystery of the history of E. It borrowed 57 pieces of selected bronzeware from the National Museum of China, the Suizhou Museum, the Zhengzhou Museum, the Nanyang City Cultural Relics and Archaeology Research Institute, and some private collections.

Through the exhibits and their inscriptions, the exhibition delineated the complete evolution of E's bronze art and depicts the state's true presence in history.

Some of the exhibits can be viewed on the official website of the Shanghai Museum.