Not to forget ever. the Marinduque Celadon Jar

 

Not to forget ever! The Marinduque Celadon Jar, is a National Cultural Treasure

On February 18, personnel from the National Museum Philippines, Archeology Division carefully wrapped and packed the Marinduque Celadon Jar, which is now already in transit to the National Museum Marinduque-Romblon.

Museum Researcher Mr. Gregg Alfonso Abang removing the Celadon Jar from the showcase

Acquired by the National Museum of the Philippines in 1965, through the then Assistant Director Alfredo Evangelista, the Marinduque Celadon Jar was exhibited at Palayok: The Ceramic Heritage of the Philippines gallery of the National Museum of Anthropology. Fifty-six years later after it was found, this National Cultural Treasure (NTC) will be unveiled to the people of Marinduque on February 21, 2022 as they celebrate the 102nd Founding Anniversary of their hometown.

This rare stoneware is dated to 1279 to 1368 Common Era, during the Yuan Dynasty in China. It features a translucent jade-like green glaze application throughout its body, decorated with four Chinese dragons in embossed relief – a symbol of imperial power, strength, and good fortune in East Asian culture.

In 2010, the Marinduque Celadon Jar was declared a National Cultural Treasure for its outstanding historical, cultural, artistic and/or scientific value which is significant and important to the country and nation.

Staff from the Archaeology Division inspecting the Celadon Jar

Staff from the Archaeology Division placing the Celadon Jar inside the box

NMP Staff from Archaeology Division, GASD, MSD & RCCMD

Welcome Program

On the scheduled unveiling of the NTC at the National Museum in Malusak, Boac on Monday, February 21 at 3:00 pm invited guests were be welcomed by the Pangkat Kalutang Group and Morion Group acting as Honor Guards outside the Museum.

The program starts with a Prayer offered by Rev. Fr. Eulogio Mangui parish priest of the Boac Cathedral followed by messages from NM Director-General Jeremy Barnes, Boac Mayor Armi DC Carrion, Governor Presbitero Velasco, Jr., and House Speaker Lord Allan Q. Velasco.

The Marinduque Celadon Jar will then be unveiled in a special glass display case at the Mezzanine Gallery. The Yuan Dynasty Jar’s homecoming after more than five decades when it was found was initiated by Gov. Velasco in 2019, part of the provincial government's efforts to generate new interest on Marinduque’s rich history and numerous tangible and intangible cultural treasures.