In the vast history, some objects have become eternal national treasures with their outstanding artistic value, unique historical background and profound cultural connotation. These treasures are not only the treasures of human civilization, but also the indelible mark of history. Below, let's take a look at the style of these ten national treasures.
1. Mona Lisa
The Mona Lisa is a classic oil painting created by the Renaissance master Leonardo da Vinci, which is now in the Louvre Museum in France. The painting is known for its elegant, tranquil image of a woman, and has become one of the most popular works of art in the world. Every year, millions of tourists come here just to see the "smiling goddess" in person.
2. Wu Ding, the mother of the Shang Queen
The mother of the Shang Dynasty, also known as the Simu Wuding, is a representative work of bronze culture in the Shang and Zhou dynasties. The tripod was unearthed in 1939 in Anyang, Henan Province, and was made by the Shang king Zu Geng or Zu Jia to worship his mother Wu. As the largest and heaviest bronze ritual vessel unearthed in the world, Wuding, the stepmother, enjoys the reputation of "the treasure of the town" and is now in the National Museum of China.
3. Tutankhamun's Golden Mask
Tutankhamun's Golden Mask is a national treasure of Egypt and is now in the Egyptian National Museum in Cairo. Crafted from gold leaf and inlaid with precious stones and stained glass, the mask showcases the exquisite metalwork and aesthetics of ancient Egypt. The mask is decorated with motifs such as the eagle god and the cobra god, symbolizing the unity of Upper and Lower Egypt.
4. British Royal Jewels
The British royal jewels are a precious legacy passed down through the ages of monarchs, including crowns, scepters, and other items that symbolize royal power. These jewels are not only works of art, but also important carriers of British history and culture. At the coronation, the jewels worn by the king or queen always attract the attention of the world.
5. Shang and Zhou sun god bird gold ornaments
The Shang and Zhou Dynasty sun god bird gold ornaments were unearthed in Chengdu Jinsha Site Museum, which is a gold artifact in the Shang and Zhou dynasties. The gold ornament is a circular sheet with an inner and outer layer, the inner layer has twelve swirling toothed rays of light, and the outer layer is composed of four birds flying counterclockwise. This gold ornament is designated as a symbol of China's cultural heritage and has high historical and cultural value.
6. Western Zhou Ligui
The Western Zhou Dynasty is an early bronze of the Western Zhou Dynasty, unearthed in Lingkou Town, Lintong County, Shaanxi. The body of the vessel is decorated with patterns such as gluttonous patterns and cicada patterns, and the inner bottom of the vessel is cast with 4 lines and 33 characters of inscriptions, which records the major historical event of King Wu's defeat in the early morning of Jiazi Day. Li Gui is not only an important material evidence for the study of the history of the Western Zhou Dynasty, but also an outstanding representative of ancient Chinese bronze culture.
7. Eastern Han Dynasty copper galloping horse
The Eastern Han Dynasty bronze galloping horse, also known as the horse super dragon sparrow, horse stepping on the flying swallow, etc., is the bronze ware of the Eastern Han Dynasty. The horse is in the form of a gallop, with three legs in the air, one foot on top of the bird, showing a high level of artistry and craftsmanship. The bronze galloping horse has been designated as a Chinese tourism symbol and a national treasure, and has high historical and artistic value.
8. Bronze statue of Shiva, the dancing king
The Dancing Shiva Bronze Statue is one of the masterpieces of Shiva statue art in India, now in the National Museum in New Delhi, India. The statue is about 98 centimeters high and 83 centimeters wide, and was created around the 11th century AD. In the sculpture, Shiva's dance is beautifully depicted, with a flame halo and a villain on his feet, symbolizing the conqueror of time and the process of reincarnation. This statue not only showcases the unique charm of Indian art, but also embodies the profound connotation of Hindu culture.
9. Fabergé Easter eggs
The Fabergé Egg is an egg-like work made by the famous Russian jeweller Peter Karl Fabergé. The eggs were made between 1885 and 1917 for the Tsar and private collectors, a total of 69 pieces. The eggs are inlaid with precious materials such as gems and pearls, showing the craftsmanship and unique style of Russian jewelry craftsmanship. These eggs are not only works of art and collectibles, but also important testimonies of Russian history and culture.
10. King Goujian of Yue
The sword of King Goujian of Yue is a bronze vessel of the late Spring and Autumn Period, which was unearthed in the tombs of Wangshan Chu in Jiangling County, Jingzhou City, Hubei Province. The sword has been stainless for thousands of years because the sword body is plated with a layer of chromium-containing metal, showing the high metallurgical technology and craftsmanship of the ancient Chinese. The inscriptions and decorative patterns on the sword body also reflect the unique charm and profound heritage of the Yue culture. This sword is not only an important material evidence for the study of the history of the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, but also one of the treasures of ancient Chinese culture.