An insight into the life of Zhang Yilin

Many names fade with history, but some remain. One of those people is Zhang Yilin (1863-1943), whose possessions are now on display at Suzhou Art Museum.

The exhibition features nearly 150 items, including some historical materials and daily objects once used by Zhang, such as his glasses, stamps and manuscripts.

Prepared over nearly a year, some of the items are on loan from Zhang’s descendants.

The exhibition is divided into four parts in a chronological order.

A famous scholar and an expert in poetry and calligraphy, Zhang witnessed the vicissitudes of the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). He also worked in high official ranks of the government at the beginning of the Republic of China (1912-49).

Zhang was not only active in organizing activities to support the fighting during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45), but also contributed a lot to the culture and artistic education in Suzhou.

“This exhibition is to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Zhang’s birth,” says Cao Jun, director of Suzhou Art Museum. “He was an advocate in organizing an exhibition of historical materials in 1937 that reflected Suzhou’s glorious culture and art from the past.”

In order to provide visitors a unique on-site experience, the exhibition also features a replica of the scene of Zhang’s former residence in Suzhou.