Visiting the Handan Museum

Upon arriving at the Handan Museum, I was struck by its unique architecture. This municipally-owned, national first-class museum resembles a closed clamshell, its surface adorned with a bluish-green finish reminiscent of bronzeware. Inside, the third and fourth-floor exhibition halls are the highlights. What impressed me most about the Handan Museum, besides the national-level cultural relics, were the key exhibits showcasing King Wuling of Zhao's "Hu Fu Qi She" (wearing Hu attire and practicing horse-riding and archery), the Seven Scholars of Jian'an, and the significant role of Cizhou porcelain. Let's talk about some of the famous artifacts: * **Gold and Silver-Gilt Chariot-Shaped Large Jue Wine Vessel:** A national first-class relic from the Eastern Han Dynasty, this wine vessel consists of a chariot-shaped tray and a wine vessel. It is entirely silver-gilded, with gold-gilted decorations. The base is supported by three bear-shaped feet, and the bears' bodies and ring handles are inlaid with agate, turquoise, crystal, and other precious stones, indicating its royal provenance. * **Warring States Bronze Horses:** Predating the famous Han Dynasty "Galloping Horse Treading on a Flying Swallow" by about 400 years, these are national first-class relics. The three horses are each in a different pose, representing products of King Wuling of Zhao's "Hu Fu Qi She" reform. A replica sculpture is prominently displayed in the main hall, symbolizing Handan culture. * **Plain Duck-Shaped Pottery Zun:** A wine vessel from the Warring States period, its open beak gives it a playful and lively feel, reminiscent of modern craftsmanship. * **Red Sandstone Smiling Arhat Head (also known as the Handan Smile):** This Tang Dynasty red sandstone Arhat head wears a smile that exudes peace and tranquility from every angle. * **Red Agate Belt Hook:** A national first-class relic from the Warring States period, this belt hook, used by ancient nobles, scholars, and warriors, holds high artistic value. The Handan Ancient Stone Carving Art Exhibition also showcases the essence of the Handan Xiangtangshan Grottoes, known as the "Jewel of Northern Chinese Grotto Art." In the Cizhou Kiln exhibition area, Cizhou porcelain, made from red clay and fired using unique techniques, results in distinctive black and white glazed porcelain. This represented a significant technological advancement and innovation at the time, marking a crucial stage in the development of Chinese ceramic art and holding a prominent place in porcelain culture. Regarding historical figures from Handan, the famous Seven Scholars of Jian'an were seven prominent writers during the Jian'an period of the Han Dynasty, including Kong Rong, Chen Lin, Wang Can, Xu Gan, Ruan Yu, Ying Chang, and Liu Zhen. Kong Rong is known for the story of "Kong Rong giving away the bigger pear," Liu Zhen for his friendship with Cao Pi and his execution for gazing at the beautiful Zhen Mi at a banquet.