Traveling in Autumn Mountains
Li Yin (early 18th c.), Ching Dynasty
Hand scroll, ink and color on silk, 189.6cm x 97.5cm

Ancient Writings from the Ruins of Yin
A Special Exhibition of Shang Dynasty Oracle Bones from teh Collection of the Academia Sinica
Gallery 109
Opening 7/1/2001

Although the imperial collection suffered losses at the fall of each dynasty, it has always been regarded as a symbol of court pride. Consequently, no effort was spared to retrieve and add works to the collection over the ages. Considering China's long history, it is not difficult to see how it grew considerably over the Sung (960-1279), Yuan (1279-1368), Ming (1368-1644), and Ch'ing (1644-1911) dynasties. One of the most important sources has always been donations. With the establishment of the Palace Museum, the once private collection of the imperial family became the core of a public institution devoted to the preservation of Chinese art and culture for all. Many people have made great sacrifices to ensure that this tradition is enjoyed for generations to come.

From inception to maturity, the National Palace Museum has been fortunate to enjoy the support of many individuals all over the world. Although the Museum has an annual budget for purchasing artworks, conditions in the art market often prevent the acquisition of ideal pieces. Consequently, the Museum created a policy for accepting donations as a way to encourage individuals to contribute to the greater good of society. Since the Museum was reestablished in Taipei in 1965, it has benefited from the generous contributions of many individuals, thereby expanding it well beyond the scope of the original imperial collection.

To honor these generous donations, the Museum provides certificates of gratitude or may even request the President of the ROC to present an award of distinction. Those who make substantial donations are also honored with individual exhibition and publication of their works. Regardless of the size of the contribution, however, the donor is given credit in the text that accompanies the display or publication of each piece. As with the many other items in the Museum collection, restrictions in terms of time and space prevent all donations from being displayed at once. Consequently, in this gallery, a rotation schedule has been arranged to make them available over time for public viewing. In such a way, the Museum wishes to express yet another token of appreciation to the many who have generously donated over the years and to serve as encouragement for others to follow.