Hebei Museum (III): The Majestic State of Zhongshan in the Warring States Period

The State of Zhongshan during the Warring States Period was one of the five 'thousand-chariot states' of the time, ranking just below the Seven Warring States. However, as Zhongshan was established by a nomadic tribe, its history was brief, poorly documented, and its relics were buried underground, rendering it little known for over two thousand years, thus earning the title 'Mysterious Kingdom'. Since the 1970s, archaeologists have explored the ancient city of Lingshou, the capital of Zhongshan, near Sanji Village in Pingshan County, Hebei Province. They have excavated five royal tombs and over a hundred civilian graves, unearthing more than 20,000 artifacts. Many of these artifacts are exquisitely crafted and beautifully shaped, making them treasures of Warring States period art. 'The Majestic State of Zhongshan in the Warring States Period' exhibition covers an area of 1,845 square meters and displays 1,400 artifacts (sets) across two exhibition halls. The first hall, 'The Appearance of the Ancient State', is divided into six sections: national history, capital city, economy, culture, warfare, and royal tombs, showcasing the unique history, culture, and folk customs of Zhongshan. The second hall, 'Royal Treasures', is divided into three sections: bronzeware, pottery, and jade artifacts, exhibiting numerous exquisite artifacts such as ritual vessels, weapons, daily utensils, ornaments, and burial objects with distinct nomadic characteristics from the Warring States period. The exhibition comprehensively displays the exquisite artifacts unearthed from the Zhongshan ruins, fully reflecting the majestic spirit of Zhongshan and the unrestrained spirit of the Warring States period. Among them, the gold and silver inlaid four dragons and four phoenixes scheme, the gold and silver inlaid tiger devouring deer screen base, the bronze lamp with a silver-headed human figure, and the silver inlaid double-winged mythical beast are uniquely shaped and exquisitely crafted, standing out among the artifacts unearthed from the Warring States period. Hebei Museum