Chu was the name of a state and a clan. The Chu people believed that their ancestors were, in terms of age, Gao Yang, or Emperor Zhuan Xu, Lao Tong and Zhu Rong, and Yu Xiong. In the early Western Zhou Dynasty, Xiong Yi was made the monarch of Chu. After that, Chu State lasted about 800 years until it was conquered by Qin in 223 BC.
During the 800 years, the daring and innovative Chu people created a rich and profound culture, which is embodied by relics unearthed in the former territory of Chu. It is such relics that the Exhibition of Chu Culture presents to show a full picture of the splendid material and ideological culture of the Chu people
From the reign of Xiong Yi onwards, the Chu people had been making hard efforts to develop their society and economy. In the Spring and Autumn Period, King Zhuang made Chu one of the most powerful states in China. In the Warring States Period, Chu surpassed any other feudal state in the number of states it destroyed and the expansion of its territory. Such feats are attested to by the sword of Gou Jian, the king of Yue, and the spear of Fu Chai, the king of Wu, which were unearthed from Chu tombs.
Chu bronze articles form an important part of the Chinese bronze culture. Though it originated from the Central Plains, it displayed distinct local flavors. Chu, which possessed copper mines at Mt. Tongl� in Daye and other places, achieved a high level in mining, smelting and casting.
The elegant and magnificent lacquered article is one of the highlights of Chu culture, embodying its special charm with original shapes, elaborate patterns, rich colors, and profound spiritual meanings. They had been well preserved thanks to the high groundwater level in the South.
China preceded any other country in the world in terms of raising silkworms, filature, and making silk fabrics. As confirmed by archeological findings, silk weaving had already been well developed in Chu by the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period. Chu silk fabrics and embroidery are marked by a rich variety, exquisite decorative designs, and bright colors. Major decorative patterns are legendary birds and animals. Among them, patterns of dragons and phoenixes come in the greatest variety of forms; they are graceful, majestic and mysterious.
