Mortal Immortals

Treasures of Sichuan in Ancient China

15 December 2018 - 11 March 2019

Location: National Archaeological Museum of Naples

Curators: Wang Fang, Vice Direttore del Museo del Sito di Jinsha

“Mortals Immortals” is an exhibition on the historical, religious and cultural development of southwestern China during the Bronze Age. Unearthed artefacts from the two significant capital cities of the ancient Shu Kingdom, Sanxingdui and Jinsha, together with objects from other sites are brought together in order to narrate the creativity, everyday social life and mysterious spiritual world of the Shu people.

Curated in collaboration with the Sichuan Provincial Bureau of Cultural Heritage, the exhibition displays impressive artefacts, such as the mysterious bronze masks, terracotta figures and jade and gold ritual objects, loaned by eight of the most important museums and institutions of the region.

“Mortal Immortals” is the first exhibition entirely dedicated to the Shu culture to be displayed in Italy, and the most extensive of its kind to ever land in Europe. It’s host, the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, is one of the most important archaeological museums in the world, situated inside a historically significant building of the 16th century.

"This exhibition includes relics found in the Sichuan province that we could call fundamental. Many of the pieces are new discoveries, on exhibit for the first time."

Wang Yi, Director General of the Sichuan Provincial Bureau of Cultural Heritage