Prehistoric Civilization of the Sanjiangyuan Region: Qinghai Liuwan Painted Pottery

Prehistoric Civilization of the Sanjiangyuan Region: Qinghai Liuwan Painted Pottery
江河源人类史前文明—青海柳湾彩陶展

From May 1, 2019
Location: Qinghai Liuwan Painted Pottery Museum, Haidong city, Qinghai province

This exhibition displays the wisdom and extraordinary artistic achievements of the ancient people who lived near the source of three rivers (the Yangtze River, the Yellow River, and the Lancang River) and demonstrates that Qinghai area is one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilization.

Divided into three sections, it brings visitors to within touching distance of the prehistoric civilization of the Chinese nation, and lets them feel the unique charm of the painted pottery of Liuwan. Through eight typical tombs that have been restored to their original state, the first section reveals the funeral customs and social evolution of this region through time. The second section provides installations of life scenes of the ancient people, including daily routines, hunting and pottery making. The unearthed production tools from the site are also showcased, which vividly reflect the civilization of this region. The third section, which is on the largest scale, displays a collection of painted pottery in chronological order, demonstrating the typical shapes, decorative patterns, and symbols of painted potteries in the four cultural types found in the site.

There are a total of 789 pieces (sets) of cultural relics on display, such as pottery, stoneware, bone tools and jade. As the most attractive highlight of the exhibition, the nine-storey "painted pottery tower" stacks 475 pottery jars made in different periods, whose amazing scale and diversity are unique in China.