With the sound of a band playing and firecrackers going off, the scissors fell, and four large red flowers landed in the plate, marking the completion of Zhuang Rui's opening ceremony.
After handing the scissors to the emcee, Zhuang Rui raised his head, grabbed a thin rope dangling from the plaque, and gently pulled it. The large red silk cloth that had been covering the plaque fell down, revealing the seven powerful characters of "China Dingguang Museum" to the crowd.
"It's an inscription by a master calligrapher..."
“That’s right, it seems this young man has a close relationship with the master…”
"Hey, you guys don't know, do you? These two are close friends despite their age difference. The signboard for Zhuang Rui's shop in Panjiayuan was also inscribed by Mr. [Name]..."
Upon seeing the plaque of Zhuang Rui Museum, the crowd seemed to understand why the master had come in person today. Some who had heard rumors were even extolling the relationship between Zhuang Rui and the master to prove their extensive knowledge. The stories in the antique trade are probably far more numerous than those in the entertainment industry.
In fact, Zhuang Rui had originally invited Mr. Gu and the Jade King from Xinjiang to attend the opening ceremony today, but unfortunately, Mr. Gu is currently in Xinjiang escaping the summer heat.
Upon hearing Zhuang Rui's words, the old man wanted to come over, but Zhuang Rui persuaded him not to. It was a hot day, and he didn't want the two of them to go through all that trouble. Anyway, there would be plenty of opportunities in the future.
Hu Rong, who was in Myanmar, was unable to attend due to the upcoming second phase of jade mining. However, he sent a valuable gift, along with the jade tree he had carved last time, which surprised and delighted Zhuang Rui.
"Xiao Zhuang, I won't join in the fun. I have a meeting this afternoon, so I'll be going now..."
Ouyang Zhenwu had achieved his goal. Given his status, his visit to the museum was for inspection purposes, and this chaotic setting was not suitable for him to linger. So he took his leave with Secretary Wang.
Some people who came just to give face to Ouyang Jun also said their goodbyes and left after offering a few words of blessing to Zhuang Rui. Those who remained at the museum entrance were mostly collectors and industry professionals from various provinces and cities.
Yang Bo's group didn't leave, and Ms. Zhao stayed close to Ouyang Jun. This woman was quite capable; she managed to get the usually aloof Ouyang Jun to smile and talk to her.
According to the schedule, after the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the group was to go to the hotel for dinner. However, the staff who had been arranged in advance encountered a problem because when they were leading these experts and collectors from all over the country to the vehicles, not a single one of them was willing to leave.
"Professor Zhuang, we came here to see your collection of masterpieces. We can have dinner after we've seen them..."
Manager Zhang from Zhengzhou spoke the minds of everyone, eliciting a chorus of agreement from the audience. Some impatient people were already preparing to enter the exhibition hall.
Seeing everyone's eagerness to enter the exhibition hall, Zhuang Rui quickly grabbed the microphone and said, "Ladies and gentlemen, I have prepared a banquet for you all at noon. Shall we have lunch first, and then come back to visit the museum?"
Zhuang Rui rented seven or eight luxury buses to transport the people attending the opening ceremony to the hotel. The buses were already parked in the museum's parking lot, waiting for the people to board.
"Mr. Zhuang, can we wait a little longer for dinner...?"
"Yes, let's go through it first, and then take a closer look later..."
"Brother Zhuang, you've kept this museum a secret from me all this time. Can we finally see it today?"
Before Zhuang Rui could finish speaking, he was interrupted by the crowd. Before today, Zhuang Rui had not opened the various exhibition halls to anyone outside the museum. However, his publicity had already made many experts in the collecting and archaeology circles eager to learn more.
As the first private museum in China to collect Picasso's works, it possesses the legendary "Dingguang Sword" that has been proven to be genuine, Shang and Zhou dynasty artifacts that surpass the Chunhua Ding, Longshan black pottery with thousands of years of culture, and a blue and white porcelain jar with the image of Guiguzi descending the mountain. These treasures are rare even in national museums, making everyone look forward to it. Who cares about a meal?
Seeing the crowd's agitated state, Zhuang Rui had no choice but to inform the hotel to start the banquet later. He then personally pushed the master's wheelchair into the museum.
Upon entering the museum, the conference room is on the left, while the main exhibition hall is on the right after passing through a short corridor.
About three meters directly opposite the main entrance of the exhibition hall, there is an exceptionally exquisite display case. The case is about 1.5 meters high, with the bottom one meter made of the finest Dalbergia odorifera, and the top covered by a sealed bulletproof glass cover.
Inside the display case, several spotlights were placed at different angles, pointing at the object that was Zhuang Rui's prized possession, the "Dingguang Sword." The Dingguang Sword was displayed with its blade facing upwards in a glass case. Under the light, the intricate and beautiful patterns on the sword and the gleaming blade were fully revealed to everyone.
Inside the glass case, there is a sign that introduces the origin of the Dingguang Sword. It is the first legendary Shang and Zhou dynasty sword recorded in Chinese history to be seen in any book.
"Really? A sword from the Shang and Zhou dynasties, how could it be preserved so well?"
The person asking this question is clearly not an expert; there are plenty of bronze artifacts preserved from the Shang and Zhou dynasties.
"Of course it's true. I heard that this sword caused a lot of controversy when it was first unveiled, but it has been verified by many experts..."
"Who would dare put a fake one here? That would be incredibly embarrassing..."
"Yes, if even the Longquan swords from the Warring States period can be preserved to this day, it's not impossible for a Shang and Zhou bronze sword to be in such good condition..."
"It truly lives up to its reputation! Look at these patterns; even modern techniques couldn't replicate them. This trip was definitely worthwhile..."
"Hey everyone, let me tell you, this sword can cut through anything, it can slice through eight copper coins in one go..."
At this moment, the display case for the Dingguang Sword was already surrounded by people in three or four layers.
The last person to speak was clearly the monkey. Zhuang Rui shook his head as he listened. He had been asked to do the commentary, but the kid just started bragging. However, what he said was true.
"Sir, let's go to the art gallery..."
There was no room to even step in the space. Zhuang Rui pushed the master, followed by several of his disciples and some experts and scholars who specialize in collecting and appreciating calligraphy and paintings. They walked around the display case of the Dingguang Sword and into the glass door of the calligraphy and painting gallery.
The Dingguang Sword is the crown jewel of Zhuang Rui's museum, so it is naturally placed in the most prominent position. The other exhibition halls are all behind the Dingguang Sword. Each exhibition hall is interconnected, but they can also be entered separately from the outside.
As soon as he entered the calligraphy and painting exhibition hall, the master raised his hand and stared intently at a wall that was more than ten meters long and faced the glass door.
This wall does not belong to the museum itself, but was built by Zhuang Rui. The wall is about two meters high and only one brick thick. It is covered with a thick and clear glass, through which the huge painting, which has been carefully framed and set in the glass case, can be clearly seen.
It is called a giant painting because the entire painting is nearly 70 centimeters high, and the horizontal scroll reaches an astonishing 25 meters. On the opposite side of this wall is the same painting. The reason it is displayed on both sides is because the painting is just too long.
"This...this is the second volume of 'Kangxi's Southern Inspection Tour'?"
The old man, supporting himself with his hand on his wheelchair, actually stood up shakily. Zhuang Rui quickly helped him up and walked to the "Kangxi's Southern Inspection Tour" painting. At the same time, a wisp of spiritual energy separated from Zhuang Rui's eyes and disappeared into the old man's legs.
"It really is the second volume, no doubt about it, it's Wang Shigu's art style..."
This painting depicts the scene of Emperor Kangxi leaving the capital during his southern tour and entering Tianjin Prefecture, which was then under the jurisdiction of Hebei Province, standing in the city and receiving the reverence of the people.
The scene unfolds layer by layer with Emperor Kangxi at its center. In the distance, the gates of Tianjin Prefecture are wide open, and shops and streets are everywhere. Scholars, farmers, artisans and merchants are all doing their jobs, presenting a picture of national peace and prosperity and the people's wealth.
The painting features numerous figures and a complex and delicate composition. Even the stone lions placed at the entrances of some houses are depicted with lifelike detail. The Tianjin River flows through the painting, making it resemble the Qingming Scroll.
"I never expected to see Volume Two here. Xiao Zhuang, you're not simple, you really are..."
The old man asked for a magnifying glass and, with Zhuang Rui's help, slowly walked around the painting. Although he seemed a little tired, his face was full of excitement.
After Jin Pangzi and Zhuang Rui helped the old man into a wheelchair, they said, "Teacher, the Palace Museum also has a copy of this painting in its collection..."
“Yes, there are twelve scrolls of the Kangxi Emperor’s Southern Inspection Tour, but only six scrolls—one, three, nine, ten, eleven, and twelve—are currently in China. The others are in museums or private hands abroad… I’ve seen a few other scrolls in museums in the United States and Canada, but I never knew where this second scroll was. I never expected to find it here. Xiao Zhuang, you did a great job keeping it a secret…”
In a good mood, the old man joked with Zhuang Rui. Little did he know that after accepting Frey's donation, the Guimet Museum had stored this masterpiece in its storeroom. If Zhuang Rui hadn't exchanged it for a Picasso work, it would have been unknown when the second scroll of "Kangxi's Southern Inspection Tour" would have seen the light of day again.
"Let me look at other things. I'll take my time to look at this painting later..."
The old man was delighted with his first piece and looked forward to seeing more of the works.
Chapter 708 Collection (Part 2)
Besides the huge painting at the entrance, there is a glass display case in the middle of the hall, about seven or eight meters long and two meters wide, which contains the Buddhist scriptures that Zhuang Rui exchanged from the Guimet Museum.
In addition, in this display case, there is also the manuscript of "Xiangzu Notes" handwritten by Wang Shizhen, which Zhuang Rui found for the first time on Taobao. Although the market price of this manuscript is not as high as those Buddhist scriptures, it is Zhuang Rui's first bargain and it also carries Zhuang Rui's memories of that snowy afternoon, so it is placed in the most prominent place in the display case.
When the master arrived at the exhibition hall in his wheelchair and stood in the middle of the display case, he pointed to the yellowed Buddhist scriptures and said to Zhuang Rui, "Young Zhuang, these Buddhist scriptures must be kept safe. It is extremely difficult to recover things that were lost back then..."
When these Buddhist scriptures first arrived in Beijing, the master himself condescended to visit Zhuang Rui's courtyard house to personally authenticate them. On the title page of each volume of the scriptures, there is a small seal of the master for his appreciation.
Upon hearing the master's words, Zhuang Rui quickly nodded and said, "Sir, please rest assured, these scriptures will not be damaged in any way while they are with me..."
"Yes, Xiao Zhuang, I have two more paintings by Xu Wei and Qiu Ying. I'll have someone bring them to you when I have time..."
Zhuang Rui was taken aback for a moment, then quickly waved his hand and said, "Sir, that won't do, this is your treasured possession..."
Xu Wei and Qiu Ying were both famous painters in the Ming Dynasty. Xu Wei, in particular, only began to learn to paint in his middle age. He was good at painting flowers and birds, and was also skilled in landscapes, figures, and freehand ink painting. His paintings reflected his personality, with a bold and unrestrained style. Many people in later generations copied his works.
Based on current market prices, paintings by Xu Wei and Qiu Ying would cost at least a million. If it were a donation from an entrepreneur, Zhuang Rui would definitely agree without hesitation. However, for a master who is not wealthy, Zhuang Rui is unwilling to accept it.
"Xiao Zhuang, your uncle gave it to you, so just accept it. I'll bring it over in a few days..."
The old man's nephew interrupted Zhuang Rui without a hint of reluctance on his face. Having followed the master for decades, he had probably seen hundreds of items donated by the master, and the old man's nephew was already used to it.
"Thank you, sir, thank you, Uncle Zhang..."
Zhuang Rui was moved by the sentiments of the uncle and nephew. He knew that the old man's nephew had retired and was now living on a meager pension each month, but he was willing to donate millions of dollars worth of things without hesitation, which showed his character. He knew that if the master passed away, all these things would belong to him.
"Wait a minute, stop..."
When they reached a painting by Giuseppe Castiglione titled "Emperor Qianlong Hunting," the old man stopped Zhuang Rui again. In the painting, Emperor Qianlong was a young man, full of vigor and ambition. Beside him were many princes and ministers, one of whom looked like Qianlong. The old man's eyes were on this person.
Zhuang Rui knew that this person was the old man's ancestor. Although the master never publicized his surname, he still couldn't help but stop and look at the portrait of his ancestor for a while.
"Let's go. I don't know what these people are arguing about..."
The old man chuckled self-deprecatingly, looking somewhat disappointed. However, after seeing Tang Bohu's "Li Duanduan," he became enthusiastic again, arguing with Zhuang Rui and several of his apprentices about which Ming Dynasty painter was the most respected.
Twenty minutes later, the old man was a little tired and declined Zhuang Rui's invitation to dinner, asking Jin Pangzi to take him back to his residence. However, the old man repeatedly said that he must come and visit Zhuang Rui's museum properly when there are fewer people.
As Zhuang Rui helped the elderly man into the car, he infused him with a surge of spiritual energy. Zhuang Rui genuinely hoped the man, a man of such noble character and willingness to mentor younger generations, would live a long and healthy life. ...
When Zhuang Rui returned to the museum, the area around the display case of the Dingguang Sword was still bustling with people. However, the crowd had dispersed considerably, with some people having already gone to the various exhibition halls next door. Those who remained were mostly experts and collectors of bronzes.
Zhuang Rui smiled and greeted some people before wandering over to Huangfu Yun's sword exhibition hall, which also attracted a large number of collectors and experts. Although the era of cold weapons has passed, people have an innate and unusual love for weapons of mass destruction.
Huangfu Yun's sword exhibition hall has everything from stone axes and knives from the Stone Age to bronze swords and halberds from the Shang and Zhou Dynasties, and various cold weapons from the Qin, Han and Tang Dynasties. Even items from legendary martial arts stories, such as axes, hooks, forks, whips, maces, lances, crutches, and meteor hammers, are all on display.
"This sword, which was once worn by Emperor Qianlong, was purchased from England..."
"Professor Huangfu, do you have any collectibles here that are on par with the Dingguang Sword at the entrance?"
"Ahem, that thing... there really isn't one. There's probably only one in the whole country..."
As soon as Zhuang Rui entered the exhibition hall, he saw a group of people surrounding Huangfu Yun, listening to him talk nonsense. However, it was obvious that Huangfu Yun had been discouraged.
Zhuang Rui didn't go over to join the fun; instead, he started observing Huangfu Yun's collection from the entrance.
To be honest, this was the first time Zhuang Rui had seriously viewed the exhibition hall since Huangfu Yun set it up. From the stone axe at the entrance to the Qing Dynasty swords at the end of the hall, Zhuang Rui had a strange feeling, as if he had experienced hundreds of battles from the medieval era.
"Hey bro, I'm so busy, and you're just wandering around like this..."
Just as Zhuang Rui was about to leave the sword exhibition hall, he was spotted by Huangfu Yun, who was enthusiastically introducing his collection to the guests. Upon seeing Zhuang Rui, Huangfu Yun quickly grabbed him.