Ancient skills
Longquan, Zhejiang province, is known for producing two of China's oldest and most precious objects, the double-edged straight sword and grayish-green ceramics. Longquan swords were first forged during the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC), and have been hailed as a "top sword of the world "because of their hard texture, sharpness, fine patterns and decorations that deliver solemnity and power. The production of greenish Longquan porcelain prospered during the Song Dynasty (960-1279), and was sought after by high society that appreciated its elegance and semi-translucent texture. Dozens of specimens of Longquan swords and ceramics by contemporary artists are now on show at Zhejiang Museum. The show runs through to May 29.
9 am-5 pm, closed on Mondays.25 Gushan Lu, Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. 0571-8601-3085/8796-0505.
