“Jadeite Cabbage with Insects” will go back on display July 11 at Taiwan’s National Palace Museum after taking part in a wildly successful two-week special exhibition in Japan.
During the piece’s June 24 to July 7 sojourn at Tokyo National Museum, it was seen by more than 150,000 art lovers, many of whom queued for nearly three hours to experience the Qing dynasty-era piece (1644-1912). On the final day of showing, the museum stayed open an extra three hours to accommodate additional demand.
But visitors to the TNM need not be disappointed by the artwork’s return to Taiwan. From Aug. 5, more priceless pieces comprising mainly calligraphies and paintings are set to take center stage at the facility. These include the famous handscroll “The Cold Food Observance” by Su Shih and Chinese painting “Red Cliff” By Wu Yuanzhi.
According to the NPM, the popularity of the exhibition has generated sizeable interest in merchandise incorporating aspects of artwork on display in Tokyo. This special sales arrangement is part of NPM efforts to promote Taiwan’s cultural and creative sector.
Running in conjunction with the exhibition until Sept. 15, the booth offers products manufactured by around 100 Taiwan firms, including cultural and creative industry heavyweights Artilize Worldwide Co. Ltd., Franz Collection Inc. and Rich Jade Jewelry Co. Ltd. A similar arrangement is under negotiation for when the exhibition moves to Kyushu National Museum three months later.
According to Franz Collection, salt and pepper sets in the shape of the jadeite cabbage are selling like hot cakes, while an expensive porcelain vase symbolic of blessings and peace is similarly in demand.
From Sept. 30 to Oct. 23, when “Meat-shaped Stone”—another NPM treasure—is on display at Kyushu, visitors to the Taipei facility can experience the exquisite craftsmanship of the “Small Jadeite Cabbage,” “Jadeite Cabbage Floral Holder” and “Jade Brush Holder with a Garden Scene,” all from the Qing dynasty. (SFC-JSM)
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