-The World’s Oldest Refrigerator- Ancient cultural relics from the Zeng Chu period travel through time and space to the United States for display
The exhibition at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, running from April to July, is titled “Phoenix’s Homeland: The Bronze Age of the Kingdom of Zeng.” It features an impressive collection of 263 artifacts, including intricate bronzes, lacquerware, jade pieces, and silk textiles that showcase the rich culture of the Zeng and Chu states during the Bronze Age, particularly in the middle Yangtze River region of present-day Hubei. Some of these exhibits are being displayed outside of China for the first time, underscoring their historical significance.
I recently had the chance to join the museum’s director, Xu Jie, on a tour of the exhibition. As he passionately described each piece, it felt like we were traveling through time, exploring the historical intricacies shared between our nations and tracing the origins of Han culture.
The exhibition is divided into five thematic sections: “Phoenix Rhapsody,” “The Forgotten Kingdom of Zeng,” “Rise of the Chu State,” “Journey to the Afterlife,” and “Eternal Heritage.” Xu Jie likens these sections to musical movements, suggesting that Zeng and Chu intertwine like melodies, creating a symphony that represents the vibrant musical heritage of the region.
**From “Sui Misfortune” to “Zeng-Chu Fusion”**
Both Zeng and Chu served as vassal states during the Zhou Dynasty in China. Xu Jie notes that while Chu is well-documented with archaeological evidence, Zeng was largely lost to history until recent excavations. Notably, the tomb of the Marquess of Zeng revealed artifacts suggesting that Zeng could be the same state referred to as Sui in ancient texts. One significant bronze bell on display features inscriptions that identify its owner and clarify the relationship between Zeng and Sui, confirming they were indeed the same entity.
As Xu Jie discusses the bronze bells, he naturally brings up the Marquess of Zeng’s grandson, the Marquess Yi. He explains that the famous set of 65 bronze bells discovered in 1978 were a ceremonial gift from the King of Chu to this marquess. After his death, these bells were included in his burial, highlighting the strong ties between the two states.
Xu Jie emphasizes the crucial role that music played in the cultural fusion of Zeng and Chu. Their political interactions included both marriages and rivalries, with the dynamics between these two states shifting over time. Zeng once aided Chu when it faced near destruction, but as Chu gained power, Zeng’s status diminished to that of a vassal.
One fascinating exhibit features a bronze vessel used for storing meat, created as a dowry by the King of Chu for his daughter when she married into Zeng. Xu Jie points out, “The cauldron is emblematic of ancient bronze artifacts, symbolizing stability and governance—a true representation of history.”
**From Phoenix Totems to Deer and Elephants**
The veneration of animals is prominent in the Zeng-Chu culture, and many artifacts in the exhibition are related to animals. The phoenix appears frequently, and Xu Jie highlights a depiction of a long-necked bird standing on a tiger in a Chu lacquer drum stand, likely used in royal ceremonies. A deer-shaped figure found beside Marquess Yi’s coffin symbolizes spiritual aspirations.
Xu Jie explains that the phoenix is an important totem in the middle Yangtze region, often referenced in the poetry of the patriotic poet Qu Yuan, symbolizing ascendance and transcendence.
Another significant animal in the culture is the deer, representing protection and good fortune. Notably, several bronze items adorned with elephants provide evidence that these majestic creatures once roamed the ancient areas along the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers.
**Treasures of Unparalleled Distinction**
Xu Jie enthusiastically shares that many items in this exhibition hold world records, including what is being touted as “the world’s oldest refrigerator,” made up of three units. This innovative design features a jar for storing wine placed inside a larger basin filled with ice to keep it cool, perfect for summer gatherings or for warming water in winter. He also highlights the “world’s most luxurious ancient refrigerator,” weighing over 400 pounds, which reflects the state’s wealth and abundant metal resources and makes its first appearance abroad.
Another standout is a large drum base found in the Marquess of Zeng’s tomb, recognized as “the world’s most complex bronze artifact.” Its surface is intricately adorned with twisting dragons, showcasing the impressive craftsmanship of ancient Chinese artisans.
**Intricate Lacquerware and Textiles**
The exhibition also features renowned lacquerware from the Chu state, including ceremonial instruments and detailed funerary items. Xu Jie explains that lacquerware can be difficult to preserve due to its wooden base, but the high water tables in burial sites around the Yangtze displaced oxygen and helped protect these artifacts. The excavation process continues to be challenging, illustrating China’s exceptional archaeological techniques.
He further explains that the textile industry in Zeng-Chu was equally sophisticated, with a meticulously replicated garment from a burial site on display, offering a glimpse into ancient fashion and textile craftsmanship. Remarkably, the exhibition includes original sleeves from a garment dating back over 2,000 years—a rare opportunity to view artifacts while showcasing ongoing preservation efforts for U.S. audiences.
**Cultural Legacy in Festivals and Ancestral Worship**
Xu Jie concludes by highlighting how the bronze artifacts, lacquerware, textiles, and cultural elements they embody—such as the tradition of drumming during major celebrations and reverence for ancestors—formed a complex set of rituals that are vital to the origins of Chinese culture. The Han Dynasty, one of the most glorious periods in ancient Chinese history, inherited much from the Chu state; notably, the name “Han” derives from this dynasty.
“Although these artifacts are from thousands of years ago, their significance resonates today, not only for the Chinese community but for people around the world. Cultural understanding knows no borders, uniting us through shared human experiences, artistic pursuits, and a common yearning for a better life.”
Readers are encouraged to subscribe to the World Journal San Francisco’s YouTube channel, SF World Journal, to watch multimedia reports and explore the exhibition with Director Xu Jie for deeper insights.