Upon entering the art gallery, one is immediately captivated by the vast array of exhibits. It is as if one is transported back to the daily life of the Jiangnan region during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The exhibits range from large bed furnishings to small needles and threads, including gold and silver jewelry, clothing and textiles, candle stands and lamps, beds and cabinets, pillow boxes and quilts, hats and shoes, copper basins and utensils, porcelain and lacquer cups and plates, combs and washing tools, to precious jade and curios, and the four treasures of the study. Everything a bride would need upon moving to her husband’s home is complete. It is said that these utensils were carried by people on the day of the bride’s departure, stretching for several miles, hence the term ‘Shi Li Hong Zhuang’. Most of these displayed furniture and lacquerware date back to the Qing dynasty. They embody a variety of crafts such as carving, modeling, painting, gilding, gold dusting, and lacquering. They are simple, elegant, and luxurious. The ‘Chinese Red’ cinnabar lacquer technique is a gem of Chinese craftsmanship and represents a comprehensive reflection of traditional lacquer and carving techniques in the Ningshao region. The museum’s treasures not only allow visitors to appreciate the beauty reflected in the utensils but also offer a rich cultural context. They provide valuable physical models for the study of social culture in Eastern Zhejiang during the Ming and Qing periods. The museum is open all year round, closed on Mondays. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00 to 16:30.
