MIM Stages Ancient Musical Treasures from China

Presented in partnership with the Henan Museum, Musical Instrument Museum’s exhibition “Ancient Musical Treasures from Central China: Harmony of the Ancients from the Henan Museum” presents unique musical and archaeological treasures spanning 9,000 years of Chinese music and history.

The show explores the harmony between music, people, heaven and earth through more than 60 extremely rare instruments and artworks on display for the first time in the United States.

Ancient flutes and drums give a glimpse of the musical life of an early agrarian society. Grand racks of bronze bells evoke elaborate rituals performed during the formative years of Chinese culture. Lively ceramic figures illustrate the joyful mixing of cultures during the time of the legendary Silk Road. Elegant silk strings entertain gatherings of refined music lovers and inspire poetic contemplation.

Bianzhong bell chime

Highlights of the exhibition include:

Bone flute, 7000 – 5000 BCE (approximately 7,000 – 9,000 years ago); ceramic drum, Yangshao culture, 5000 – 3000 BCE (approximately 5,000 – 7,000 years ago); Bianzhong bell chime, spring and autumn period, 770 – 476 BCE (approximately 2,500 – 2,800 years ago);
bronze divine beast drum stand, spring and autumn period, 770 – 476 BCE (approximately 2,500 – 2,800 years ago); musician and dancer figurines in a pavilion, Han dynasty, 206 BCE – 220 CE (approximately 1,800 – 2,200 years ago); tricolor-glazed pillow depicting scholarly qin performance, Northern Song dynasty, 960 – 1127 (approximately 890 – 1,060 years ago)

In addition to a collection of rare musical instruments, the exhibition also features music-related artworks made of materials such as ceramic and jade.

Using interactive technology to explore the show, guests will see, hear and feel the harmony of the ancients.

Ancient Musical Treasures from Central China: Harmony of the Ancients from the Henan Museum

Through May 6

Musical Instrument Museum, Target Gallery, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix

For more information/tickets, visit mim.org