Celestial horse. Han dynasty, 1st-2nd century CE. Bronze, 44 7/8 x 34 1/2 x 14 1/2 in. (113.98 x 87.63 x 36.83 cm); Courtesy China Institute of America
Eternal Offerings: Chinese Ritual Bronzes from the Minneapolis Institute of Art
March 6 – July 13, 2025
Curator’s Lecture: Thursday, March 6 from 6:30-8pm (RSVP)
Asia Week Open House: Friday, March 14 from 10am-8pm (Free)
The China Institute Gallery is pleased to present Eternal Offerings: Chinese Ritual Bronzes from the Minneapolis Institute of Art showcasing one of the world’s greatest collections of ancient Chinese bronzes outside of China from a crucial period in the history of human civilization. Traveling from the collection of the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the extraordinary Bronze Age vessels for food and wine as well as imaginative animal sculptures, are on view for the first time in New York City.
Bronze casting in China, which began over 4,000 years ago, stands as one of the greatest achievements in early metalcraft. During the Shang (1600–1046 BCE) and Zhou (1046–256 BCE) dynasties, the period known as the Bronze Age, ritual bronze vessels played a central role in ancestor worship, a cornerstone of Chinese spiritual and social life. Each vessel type served a specific purpose in ritual ceremonies and was adorned with intricate designs that symbolized power, spirituality, and cosmic harmony. Many were inscribed to honor ancestors, rulers, or to commemorate significant events, blending artistic mastery with historical record. These vessels, crafted using advanced casting techniques, were not only functional but also remarkable testaments to technological and cultural sophistication.
With more than 70 objects ranging from a wine vessel in the form of a double-owl from the Late Shang dynasty, 12th century BCE, to a celestial horse sculpture from the Han dynasty, 1st to 2nd century CE, this exhibition explores the diverse forms, functions, and symbolic meanings of ancient Chinese bronzes, providing a window into the spiritual and artistic essence of early Chinese civilization.
Join their Curator’s Lecture on opening day where Dr. Liu Yang, Chair of Asian Art and Curator of Chinese Art at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, will trace the formation of Alfred Pillsbury’s collection of ancient bronzes at Mia—widely regarded as one of the finest assemblages of ancient Chinese bronzes in the United States—and offer updated perspectives on many masterpieces from this remarkable assemblage. To RSVP and learn more, click here.
Also be sure to attend the Asia Week York Open House on March 14 as they join our celebration of Asian art and culture amidst the vibrant cultural tapestry of New York City. Join for an immersive experience that connects the past with the present, and witness firsthand the enduring beauty and historical significance of ancient masterpieces. Enjoy light refreshments as you explore the exhibition!
To learn more, click here.