Tianjin Museum

• This book illuminates the ancient art and modern history of one of the key cities in the development of China
• Tianjin is the port of Beijing and one of the six national cities of China

Tianjin, literally ‘The Ford of Heaven’, has been a city of huge commercial importance since the 7th century when it was connected to the Grand Canal. It is one of the six national cities of China. The Tianjin Museum originated in 1918. It combines a comprehensive collection of historical Chinese artefacts and artworks, together with modern historical documents, photographs and regional historical materials reflecting the social development and evolution of the Tianjin region since the late Qing dynasty. Forming 10 categories – calligraphy, paintings, ceramics, jade ware, bronze ware, oracle bones, Dunhuang texts, gilded bronze Buddhist sculpture, tools of the literati, seals, craft ware and regional popular arts – 280 ancient artworks have been selected primarily on the basis of artistic merit. They comprehensively reflect the richness of the Tianjin Museum’s collection, allowing the reader to both learn about and appreciate the beauty of the city. Tianjin Museum is an introduction to the rich collection of the Tianjin Museum though 280 of its greatest treasures.

Bai Wenyuan is Director of the Tianjin Museum.