Current Exhibition
Eternal Offerings: Chinese Ritual Bronzes from the Minneapolis Institute of Art
[latest_current_exhibition_subtitle]
Bronze casting in China, which began over 4,000 years ago, stands as one of the greatest achievements in early metalcraft. During the Shang (1600–1046 BCE) and Zhou (1046–256 BCE) dynasties, the period known as the Bronze Age, ritual bronze vessels played a central role in ancestor worship, a cornerstone of Chinese spiritual and social life. Each vessel type served a specific purpose in ritual ceremonies and was adorned with intricate designs that symbolized power, spirituality, and cosmic harmony. Many were inscribed to honor ancestors, rulers, or to commemorate significant events, blending artistic mastery with historical record. These vessels, crafted using advanced casting techniques, were not only functional but also remarkable testaments to technological and cultural sophistication.
This exhibition, drawn from the extensive collection of the Minneapolis Institute of Art, explores the diverse forms, functions, and symbolic meanings of ancient Chinese bronzes, providing a window into the spiritual and artistic essence of early Chinese civilization.
Organized by Minneapolis Institute of Art. Curated by Dr. Liu Yang, Chair of Asian Art and Curator of Chinese Art at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.
Eastern Han dynasty (25–220 CE)
Bronze with traces of polychrome; 44 7/8 x 34 1/2 x 14 1/2 in. (113.98 x 87.63 x 36.83 cm). Gift of Ruth and Bruce Dayton. Image © Minneapolis Museum of Art
Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BCE)
Bronze; 24 5/8 x 18 1/8 x 14 in. (62.55 x 46.04 x 35.56 cm). Gift of Ruth and Bruce Dayton. Image © Minneapolis Museum of Art
Warring States period (475–221 BCE)
Bronze with gold inlay; 5 3/16 × 2 × 2 1/2 in. (13.18 × 5.08 × 6.35 cm). Gift of Ruth and Bruce Dayton. Image © Minneapolis Museum of Art
Exhibition Video
Dragon City and the Dragon
Exhibition Catalogue
Masterpieces of Three Yan from Liaoning, 337-436
龙城之金:
辽宁三燕文物选萃 337-436
Edited by Willow Weilan Hai
With contributions by Annette L. Juliano, Tian Likun, and Liu Ning
Exhibition-Related Public Programs
In the early 20th century, Alfred Pillsbury, guided by personal taste and self-taught connoisseurship, amassed a remarkable collection of Chinese objects. Among these, his collection of approximately 150 ancient Chinese bronzes, dating from the late Shang to the Zhou dynasties (c. 13th–3rd centuries BCE), stands out for its depth, rarity, and exceptional aesthetic quality. Now housed permanently at the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia), Pillsbury’s collection is widely regarded as one of the finest assemblages of ancient Chinese bronzes in the United States, celebrated for its stylistic diversity, beauty, and pristine condition.
This lecture traces the formation of Alfred Pillsbury’s collection during the early 20th century and offers updated perspectives on many masterpieces featured in this exhibition.
For more information and tickets, please contact Tracy Jiao at [email protected].
(Free Admission, No registration needed)
China Institute Gallery is excited to participate in the March 2025 edition of Asia Week New York, which celebrates and promotes Asian art amidst the vibrant cultural tapestry of New York City. Join us for an immersive experience that connects the past with the present, and witness firsthand the enduring beauty and historical significance of ancient masterpieces. Enjoy light refreshments as you explore the exhibition.
For more information, please contact Tracy Jiao at [email protected].
Media Coverage
Sponsors
"Eternal Offerings: Chinese Ritual Bronzes from the Minneapolis Institute of Art" is organized by the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Generous support for the exhibition and related catalogue provided by the Blakemore Foundation, the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring the human endeavor, the Bei Shan Tang Foundation, the Henry Luce Foundation, and Christie’s.
China Institute Gallery’s presentation of "Eternal Offerings" is made possible, in part, by support from the following: Center for Language Education and Cooperation; E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation; Angela H. King, Joseph Tse Foundation; and an anonymous donor.
“Eternal Offerings: Chinese Ritual Bronzes from the Minneapolis Institute of Art” is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.
“Eternal Offerings: Chinese Ritual Bronzes from the Minneapolis Institute of Art” is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
