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. Throughout the museum, visitors will view numerous jade pieces ranging from small animals to a 2,000-pound statue that is carved with multiple scenes from Chinese life during the Manchu Dynasty. Many art forms, such as jade carving, reached their peak of perfection during the Qing period.