The Poly Group is one of the largest entertainment companies in China owning theaters and other amusements all around the country. It is also a major collector of Ancient Chinese artifacts, particularly bronzes. To showcase this collection, the Poly Group’s office tower in Beijing near Dongzhimen has a small private museum that is open to the public.
Zodiac Clock Fountain
The only reason I know about this fantastic little museum is because of the Old Summer Palace. As previously mentioned, this ancient palace was destroyed by French and British forces in the 19th century in retribution for the torture and murder of their comrades who were sent to negotiate peace during the Second Opium War. After this work of destruction, what was left slowly fell into ruin.
During the foreigner rampage, the palace was looted and treasures were sent back to Europe. These included bronze heads from a clock fountain. The sculptures were the heads of each animal from the Chinese zodiac. Throughout the day, each head would spit water for two-hour increments, thus acting as a clock.
The heads ended up all over the world, and China has been on a mission to repatriate them. Four have been returned to Beijing. The Poly Art Museum proudly displays them as part of their collection. This is how I learned about the museum and made a point to visit.
Bronze Collection
The main collection in the small museum consists of ancient bronze works. Many are 2,000-3,000 years old. There are ceremonial pieces, bells, basins and containers, trinkets, and more. The pieces on display are all so beautifully decorated. The museum excels in displaying its tremendous collection. I imagine it is only a small portion, but it is spectacular nonetheless.
Religious Art
Another small gallery off the main bronze space, showcases religious art. The small space houses mostly stone sculptures from Buddhist sites across China. Having been to the major Buddhist grottoes in China, I assume that the pieces were rescued or repatriated as well since all of these sites have had things taken from them over time, both by foreign parties and during the Cultural Revolution.
The pieces in the collection are superb examples of Buddhist stone carvings. Some still have hints of color from when they were painted. I find it funny that when we think of the ancient world we often think of it as being very drab, earthen-toned, or monochromatic. When, in fact, it was vibrant with color, but using natural pigments, time has dimmed or removed the rainbow from ancient sculpture the world over.
