Lotus in Breeze
Since 1916, when the guesthouse was established during the Japanese colonial period, this building has undergone numerous transformations over the past century. These changes continued into the post-war period with the establishment of the National Museum of History. Whether it featured the simple and elegant wooden architecture from the Japanese colonial era or the majestic palace-style architecture of Northern China with red walls and green tiles, this building has always stood by the lotus pond in Taipei’s famous Botanical Garden. It has long been a shared memory for locals and is recognized as one of the well-known landmarks of the Taipei Botanical Garden.
In conjunction with the museum’s renovation and reopening, we present a specially curated exhibition: Lotus in Breeze—Selected Lotus-Themed Works from the NMH Collection. This exhibition is divided into three main sections: Chang Dai-Chien and the Dafeng Studio, Elegant Styles of the Literati, and Eastern and Western Perspectives. It features nearly 70 lotus-themed artworks and cultural artifacts from the late Qing dynasty to the present day, all selected from the museum’s collection. The exhibition showcases the beauty of lotus flowers as depicted by artists using various Chinese and Western mediums and techniques. Featured works include masterpieces by renowned artists such as Chang Dai-Chien, Pu Xin-Yu, Sanyu, Wu Ping, Shen Yao-Chu, Zheng Man-Qing, Jin Chin-Bo, Huang Lei-Sheng, Li Chi-mao, Huang Kuang-Nan, Chiang Ming-Shyan, Huang Ko-chuan, Chang Jie, Chao Er-Dai, Kuan Chi-Chung, Xi Mu-Rong, Liang Dan-Feng, Su Hsien-Fa, and others. Each work is a classic in its own right, demonstrating the enduring affection and creative interest in lotus flowers across different generations of artists.
Since ancient times, scholars have compared the lotus flower to gentleman. The lotus is described in ancient times as "emerging unstained from the mud, standing tall and upright, neither sprawling nor branching, and with a fragrance that reaches far and wide, growing ever purer." The art of literati painting emphasizes a comprehensive cultivation of culture, striving to excel in poetry, calligraphy, painting, and seal carving. Scholars should be well-versed in all aspects, including character, knowledge, and ideology. They often used lotus flowers in their creative work as a form of self-encouragement, likening the flower to a gentleman of noble and refined character. Due to its pure and elegant nature, the lotus is also regarded as a sacred flower in Buddhism, symbolizing the exultation of Buddha. It represents the idea that Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, though existing in the earthly world, remain pure and untainted.
This lotus-themed exhibition from the museum’s collection has been specially scheduled to coincide with the blooming season of the lotus ponds at Nanhai Academy. It will be displayed alongside the museum's first-floor collection of Buddhist sculptures, creating a grand display on both the first and second floors of the museum, complemented by the lotus pond outside. Visitors can enjoy the artistic charm of the lotus flowers as depicted by both early and contemporary artists. The gallery windows offer beautiful views of the blooming lotus pond in the Botanical Garden, enhancing the experience. We invite visitors to explore how traditional and contemporary artists interpret the diverse beauty of the lotus flower and its significance in literati expression. 

Radiant Glazes
The museum’s ceramic collection includes many masterpieces that have been designated as important cultural artifacts by the Ministry of Culture. Among these artifacts, the most familiar and beloved by the public are undoubtedly the sancai (tri-color glazed) ceramics from the Tang dynasty. The museum's Tang Sancai ceramics are recognized as the nation’s foremost collection in terms of quality and quantity. The understated, simple color palette and naturally flowing glazes of Tang Sancai possess a rustic beauty, while common motifs such as camels, figurines of the Hu people, as well as musical and dance themes, convey a unique exotic charm.
Similarly, the Tang dynasty Changsha kiln ceramics adopted sancai techniques while further incorporating cultural elements from the Western regions, resulting in a diverse range of forms. In addition to bowls, plates, and jars, there are also toys, musical instruments, models, and figurines - rich in content and exquisitely charming. They reflect the diverse aspects of everyday life of the Tang dynasty. Both the Tang Sancai and Changsha ware showcase new styles by incorporating elements from diverse cultures, offering a glimpse into the international and multicultural scene of the Tang dynasty.
"Export porcelain" is another highlight of the museum's collection, representing a different facet of cultural exchange spread through land and sea trade routes. Export porcelain, primarily blue and white porcelain, holds significant historical and artistic value. From the 17th to the 19th centuries, these porcelains were shipped to Southeast Asia and various European countries, winning adoration by everyone from royalty and the nobility to merchants and the general public. While their designs influenced European ceramics, consumer preferences in turn provided inspiration back to local artisans, sparking new ideas.
During the late Ming dynasty, the development of blue and white porcelain designs included richly decorative folk styles, a variety of motifs and lively, intricate brushwork. By the time of the Qing dynasty, blue and white porcelain had become the mainstream product for export. Some of the artifacts on display were salvaged from a sunken ship off the coast of Bà Rịa–Vũng Tàu Province in Vietnam. These porcelain artifacts, with sea shells still attached to the surface, vividly reflect the flourishing maritime exchanges of the time.
The museum's collection of Tang Sancai and blue-and-white porcelain, whether unearthed from land or salvaged from the sea, portray how continuous exchange and integration can bring new vitality to the cultural landscape, producing ever-evolving artistic masterpieces.