The National Palace Museum on Monday opened a special exhibition exploring fantastical creatures using artifacts from its collection, alongside other objects illustrating the role of mythical beasts in folk culture.
At the opening ceremony for “The Return of Mythical Creatures in Artifacts,” museum director Hsiao Tsung-huang (蕭宗煌) said that humans have long held a sense of wonder toward the unknown universe and nature.
Mythical beasts emerged from different interpretations and imaginations of animals, and through stories passed down by word of mouth, totemic depictions, morphological transformations and the influence of religious beliefs, the creatures gradually evolved into many forms, each carrying special significance, he said.
Photo: CNA
Unlike Western mythical creatures, which often embody both good and evil, those in East Asia are largely seen as benevolent, symbolizing protection and blessings, Hsiao said.
The exhibition features selected artifacts themed around mythical beasts, including the qilin (麒麟), an auspicious creature in Chinese mythology that symbolizes peace and is said to appear when a sage is present in the world, the museum said.
Also on display is a wooden sculpture of a Matsu (媽祖) palanquin, borrowed from Beigang Chaotian Temple in Yunlin County. Completed in 1912, the centennial piece features four dragons at its entrance and along its pillars, symbolizing the submission of all sea creatures to Matsu and prayers for calm seas.
Meanwhile, the Tiger God (虎爺) sculpture, borrowed from the National Museum of Taiwan History, features a simple and charming design.
In folk belief, the tiger god is often placed beneath altars, serving as a deity’s mount or helping convey messages and carry objects.
Chaotian Temple Museum director Lin Heng-yi (林恒毅) said the temple has preserved nearly 20,000 artifacts related to the worship of the sea goddess Matsu over the past 300 years.
Three pieces from the temple’s collection are featured in the exhibition, he said.
Although relatively recent, the items showcase exquisite craftsmanship, are difficult to preserve and are considered highly valuable, reflecting the temple’s long-standing efforts in cultural preservation and promotion, Lin said.
The exhibition is being held at Exhibition Hall 1 of the museum’s Northern Branch through Aug. 30.
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