Great piece! Thank you Paul. I will look forward to the continuation, how the treasures reached Formosa after the revolution, and how the pieces were selected at that time. I can see the picture you selected is the National Palace Museum in Taipei - which I have visited, also at nighttime with the dramatic illumination. Every item, especially the high level of craftmanship in creating them, is very impressive and well displayed. I assume that the original Palace Museum in Beijing convey the original architecture better, but is their collection different and is it well preserved?
The Ming architecture of the Forbidden City (Palace Museum) in Beijing is indeed wonderful and well worth visiting.
As far as I know, the collection is well preserved and yes, different. I included a photo of the room showing the Stone Drums of Qin. Those are displayed in Beijing.
Given their weight, they did not travel to Taipei by ship. But that is an interesting story in itself and I think I will include that when I get to the retreat to Taiwan period.
This museum saved many Chinese historical treasures from loss and destruction in so many ways. My Chinese friends also realized that much was saved from the Cultural Revolution because they were in Taiwan. My Taiwanese friends said that someday they will return to the mainland. Who knows! But they are in a place where they can be viewed and enjoyed by all. Wonderful!
It's a hair-raising and inspiring tale. I've had the pleasure of viewing some of these treasures at the National Palace Museum in Taipei. In light of everything you've related, it's remarkable that they made it there intact.
Great piece! Thank you Paul. I will look forward to the continuation, how the treasures reached Formosa after the revolution, and how the pieces were selected at that time. I can see the picture you selected is the National Palace Museum in Taipei - which I have visited, also at nighttime with the dramatic illumination. Every item, especially the high level of craftmanship in creating them, is very impressive and well displayed. I assume that the original Palace Museum in Beijing convey the original architecture better, but is their collection different and is it well preserved?
The Ming architecture of the Forbidden City (Palace Museum) in Beijing is indeed wonderful and well worth visiting.
As far as I know, the collection is well preserved and yes, different. I included a photo of the room showing the Stone Drums of Qin. Those are displayed in Beijing.
Given their weight, they did not travel to Taipei by ship. But that is an interesting story in itself and I think I will include that when I get to the retreat to Taiwan period.
This museum saved many Chinese historical treasures from loss and destruction in so many ways. My Chinese friends also realized that much was saved from the Cultural Revolution because they were in Taiwan. My Taiwanese friends said that someday they will return to the mainland. Who knows! But they are in a place where they can be viewed and enjoyed by all. Wonderful!
Thanks for your comments Todd!
Absolutely fascinating read. Thank you for the essay about these epic journeys
Thank you!
It's a hair-raising and inspiring tale. I've had the pleasure of viewing some of these treasures at the National Palace Museum in Taipei. In light of everything you've related, it's remarkable that they made it there intact.
Thanks David. Yes, it was great that you were able to see some of them in spite of the danger they were in!