The Advent of Chinese Civilization
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Chariot Umbrella Finials
China, Western Han dynasty, 2nd–1st century BCAsian Gallery (Toyokan) Room 4
November 5, 2025 (Wed) - March 22, 2026 (Sun)This section of the gallery traces the development of Chinese civilization through ancient pottery, jade objects, texts, and bronzes. The collection includes Neolithic pottery from the Loess Plateau, a range of stone tools from Northern China, jade objects and oracle-bone inscriptions from the Shang dynasty (ca. 1600–ca. 1100 BC), and roof tiles from each era.
| Designation | Name | Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance |
Period | Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number |
CMT | ||
| Highlight | Short-Necked Jar | Found in Gansu or Qinghai Province, China | Majiayao culture, ca. 2600–2300 BC | TJ-2895 | |||
| Jar with a Handle | Found in Gansu or Qinghai Province, China | Majiayao culture, ca. 2600–2300 BC | Gift of Dr. Yokogawa Tamisuke, TJ-659 | ||||
| Oracle Bones | Found in Yinxu, Anyang City, Henan Province, China | Shang dynasty, 13th-11th century BC | TJ-4666-43 | ||||
| Highlight | Chariot Umbrella Finials | China | Western Han dynasty, 2nd–1st century BC | TJ-5743 | |||
| Highlight | Ritual Object Shaped Like a Spade | China | End of Neolithic period-Erlitou culture, ca. 2nd millennium BC | TJ-2489 |