Understanding Chinese History through Antiques

"Touching history" refers to the use of hands to touch historical objects, to use physical artifacts to prove ancient history, and to fill in the gaps of original documents. By observing cultural relics up close, one can see the details of life of a bygone era and the pursuit of "beauty" by ancient people, thus constructing a bridge of communication between ancient and modern times. The development of Chinese history from the Neolithic Age to the present has gone through thousands of years of ups and downs, leaving countless historical relics from different eras, including the splendid civilization of the Qin, Han, Tang, Song, Yuan Dynasties and other golden ages. At that time, in addition to its prosperous economy, China's cultural life, aesthetic concepts, and political system were also imitated by other countries, becoming a milestone in world history in the Middle Ages. Physical contact with such artifacts not only helps one understand history, but also to learn about the cultural qualities of ancient prosperous times through cultural relics. This book selects 235 collections from Hongzongli (Claire & Francis Heritage Lane), covering the period from the Neolithic Age to the Qing Dynasty, in materials such as ceramics, metals, and glass. It is hoped that cultural relics will serve as guides for readers to travel in time, letting them roam freely across ancient China.