Legends and Mythology in Ancient Chinese Art

The Sen-oku Hakukokan Museum in Tokyo is hosting the themed exhibition Mythology and Design in Ancient China, an engaging journey through the symbolic imagery and aesthetics of ancient China, with particular attention to its influence on Japanese culture. The exhibition features a selection of ancient bronzes and decorated mirrors from the renowned Sumitomo Collection, one of the most important holdings of Asian art outside China. These objects not only showcase the craftsmanship of their time but also reflect the mythological beliefs and conceptions of life and death in early Chinese society. Highlights include mirrors adorned with deities and sacred animals - symbols of protection and rebirth - and ritual containers shaped like owls dating back to the 13th-12th century BCE. A special focus is devoted to the mythological figure of Xiwangmu, the Queen Mother of the West, and to the Legend of Qixi, known in Japan as Tanabata. These narratives had a profound impact on Japanese art and culture, shaping festivals and artistic practices.