Lasting Legacies of Chinese Living History
January 21 – July 20, 2009 / Terminal 2, San Diego International Airport
Chinese culture has been shaped by a myriad of historical influences. Contact with foreign powers inspired advances in Chinese technology and Western household items began to appear as commonplace items for upper class families. Yet foreign influence did not signify the end of a unique Chinese identity – only an alteration of existing lifestyles. Unique aspects of Chinese culture, such as the treatment of illnesses through traditional Chinese techniques, continued to prevail and are still commonplace to this day.
This exhibit features some of the items representative of important traditional practices and new changes in Chinese culture. Each category includes items from the museum, a brief summary of the display, a description of each artifact, and concise captions for the reader’s viewing pleasure and personal education. The categories represented in this exhibit are:
Chinese Medicine – Several pieces pertaining to the practice of ancient Chinese Medicine. This exhibit includes an acupuncture dummy, items used for herbal remedy preparation, and measuring equipment.
Terracotta Sculpture – Ceramics demonstrating the evolution of terracotta from strictly utilitarian use to an art form. Examples include stylized tiles, statues, and decorated planters.
Antique Boxes – Showcasing the craftsmanship of antique Chinese boxes. Includes a Four Seasons box, Eight Immortals box, a miniature cabinet, a pair of hexagonal boxes, a rosewood dresser, and a carved red lacquer jewelry box.
Upper Class Families – Various household items from upperclass Chinese families during the transition to the Early Republic
Working Class Families -A contrast to the elegance of household items of upper-class families, the items displayed here are representative of the utilitarian lifestyle of working class families during the end of the Qing dynasty.
Flying Tigers – Badges, model planes, a letter, an award, and other memoirs of the American Volunteer Group “Flying Tigers,” who helped defend China against Japan during WWII