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.
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 will 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.
Photos courtesy of the National Museum of the Philippines
