Tiger & oxen: One of the exhibits of the "Hunting & Rituals: Treasures from the Ancient Dian Kingdom of Yunnan" - a realistically portrayed bronze table with figurines of a tiger and oxen.

A total of 118 spectacular artifacts that unveil the mystical culture of the ancient Dian Kingdom of Yunnan will be on display at the Hong Kong Museum of History from November 10 to February 21 next year.

Featuring an array of bronze relics selected from the collection of the Yunnan Provincial Museum, the "Hunting & Rituals: Treasures from the Ancient Dian Kingdom of Yunnan" exhibition gives visitors a glimpse of the material culture, everyday life, military and religious activities, as well as arts and crafts of the Dian Kingdom.

It is jointly presented by the Leisure & Cultural Services Department and the Yunnan Provincial Museum, and organised by the Museum of History.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the exhibition today, Deputy Director of Leisure & Cultural Services Choi Suk-kuen said Yunnan has been settled by multiple tribes since ancient times, which leads to unique and colourful cultures, as exemplified by the Dian culture.

"Though the kingdom has long gone, the dedicated efforts in archaeological excavations over the years contribute to the reconstruction of the distinguished Dian culture," she said.

Miss Choi hoped the exhibition will motivate and strengthen the cultural interflow between Hong Kong and the Mainland, Yunnan province in particular, carry forward national heritage and promote the cultural prosperity of both places.

The ancient Dian Kingdom was established in the southwest of China, in what is today known as the Dianchi area of Yunnan. It reached its peak development from the Warring States period (475-221 BC) to the Western Han dynasty (206 BC-AD 25), declined in the late Western Han dynasty and was eventually absorbed by the Eastern Han dynasty (25-220). The reign of the kingdom lasted more than 500 years.

As the Dian did not have a written language and only incomplete accounts of its history can be found in ancient historical records, people know little about this kingdom.

In 1995 and afterwards, however, extensive excavations of the Dian burial sites led to a series of important discoveries including the gold seal of the Dian king and over 10,000 bronze objects. The discoveries vividly outline different facets of the ancient Dian culture.

The unearthed relics show agriculture was quite developed in the Dian kingdom, while hunting was still a popular activity. Many Dian bronzes are decorated with hunting scenes.

21 first class national treasures on display

Among the 118 relics on display, 21 items are classified as First Class National Treasures including the only bronze coffin from the Chinese Bronze Age preserved intact, a realistically portrayed bronze table with figurines of a tiger and oxen, a jade costume of the Dian king and bronze house model with human figures.

Admission for the "Treasures from the Ancient Dian Kingdom of Yunnan" is $10 with a half-price concession for full-time students, senior citizens and people with disabilities. There will be no free admission on Wednesdays.

The Museum of History is located at 100 Chatham Road South, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. It opens from 10am to 6pm from Monday to Saturday and from 10am to 7pm on Sundays and public holidays. It is closed on Tuesdays, except public holidays, and the first two days of the Chinese New Year.