The "Treasure of Prince Lu: The Collection of the Ming Mausoleum of Zhu Tan" exhibition opened at the Shandong Museum on Jan 12, serving as one of the museum's major highlights for the new year.

A visitor takes a photo of the nine-tasseled crown, the only well-preserved ceremonial crown from the early Ming Dynasty in China. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

The exhibition is curated around the lives of Zhu Tan (1370-89), one of the sons of Zhu Yuanzhang, founder of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

With 682 artifacts across categories like gold, jade, clothing, and lacquerware, the exhibition highlights exquisite ceremonial headwear, ornate gemstone-adorned belts, and beautifully crafted musical instruments.

"This collection of furniture and daily items from the mausoleum of Zhu Tan provides valuable insights into the research of Ming Dynasty artifacts," said Han Minmin, curator at the Shandong Museum.

Through diverse content and innovative presentations of the artifacts, it is part of the Shandong Museum's cultural preservation efforts to offer more high-quality exhibitions to engage the public.

Chen Tongle, art advisor of the display art committee of the China Museum Association, said that this exhibition is built on solid academic foundations and effectively showcases the museum's research on the Zhu Tan. "Visitors can experience the exhibition from a first-person perspective, which is quite rare in museum displays across the nation," he added.

A white jade flower-shaped cup is one of the key pieces at the exhibition. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

The exhibition highlights the distinct style and lifestyle of the Ming Dynasty. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]