A majority of the collection is from the 19th century and later, with some pieces dating back several hundred years. Artists from this last great ancient Chinese dynasty created some of the most beautiful treasures in the world. After the Manchu Dynasty's fall, many of these creations were scattered and lost. Rare examples of this artistry in jade, other precious stones, ivory, porcelain and cloisonn along with furnishings, fabrics, scrolls and other artistic objects will be displayed in the Peabody Place Museum and Gallery. I've always been fascinated with the different forms of art that are unique to different countries, and indeed, to different regions within countries.
China is an amazing example.
The different areas of the country have separate artistic specialties that are handed down from one generation to the next. Visitors enter the museum through a round moon gate. Once inside the gate, visitors wander through three galleries, featuring 7,500 square feet and more than 100 pieces of priceless Chinese treasures. As visitors walk into the main gallery, a massive, carved jade ship takes center stage. The ship stands almost six feet tall and five feet wide with complex carvings, including a two-headed dragon at the bow of the ship and multiple sails on the ship's three masts.