Jinshixue, literally ‘the study of metal and stone’ was initiated by scholars of the Song dynasty (960 – 1279). This presentation illustrates its importance and impact of jinshixue on Chinese art. It included the study of inscriptions on bronze vessels and stone steles, combined calligraphy and painting, the collection of ancient artifacts, including ritual bronzes, bronze mirrors, as well as philological and historical research.

Song scholars developed some rigorous methods of unearthing, studying, and cataloguing ancient artifacts. In the Qing dynasty (1644 – 1911), antiquarianism experienced a revival. By focusing on collection practices, production, appreciation and documentation of cultural relics and visual culture, they not only generated knowledge about the past, but also about the world around them.