About the Exhibition
A “小品” (xiao pin) is a miniature version of a normal (life-sized) thing. The exhibition showcases more than 100 artifacts from the Neolithic Period in the third millennium BC to the Qing dynasty (1644-1911) in a variety of materials that includes ceramics, metals, glass and other substances. Highlights include a white glazed Dingyao water pot carved in lotus patterns from Hebei in the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127); a black glazed “oil-spot” bowl from Fujian in the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279); and a blue glass bottle, only 3 cm high, from Italy during the early Roman Empire (1st century AD). According to recent research, these small objects could have had different possible functions: burial gifts, devotional items, toys, or collectables for literati.
This exhibition also features more than 20 objects from around the world, for reference and comparison, including ancient Egyptian amulets, Greek pottery, Roman glass, and Southeast Asian ceramics. It is hoped that by viewing these ancient artifacts, visitors can feel and witness the cultural exchanges between different regions along the Silk Road and the Maritime Silk Road. In addition, viewing and appreciating these small pieces can evoke the past reality of the larger objects they represent.