Call for the Collection of Cultural Relics

The Ming‑dynasty dramatist Tang Xianzu is one of the hundred cultural luminaries recognized by UNESCO and a world‑renowned cultural giant. To promote theatrical culture and carry forward Chinese civilization, Fuzhou City in Jiangxi Province—Tang Xianzu’s hometown—has been steadily building the Tang Xianzu cultural brand. The slogan “Fuzhou: A Place of Dreams and Drama” has earned growing acclaim. To present to the world Tang Xianzu’s illustrious life and artistic achievements from every angle, the Tang Xianzu Memorial Hall of Fuzhou City hereby launches a public call for donations of items related to Tang Xianzu, as well as for leads on such collections. We earnestly appeal to all sectors of society for their generous support. Details are announced as follows:

I. Scope of Solicitation:

1. Works Category
Various rare and valuable editions of Tang Xianzu’s celebrated dramatic masterpieces—the “Four Dreams of Linchuan” (collectively comprising “The Peony Pavilion,” “The Jade Hairpin,” “The Story of the South Tree,” and “The Tale of Handan”)—as well as his early work, “The Purple Flute”;
Original manuscripts and rubbings of Tang Xianzu’s poems, prose, inscriptions on steles, and epitaphs;
The scripts and musical scores of the “Four Dreams of Linchuan,” published and printed (or transcribed by hand) in different periods;
Rare and valuable ancient editions from various periods, as well as modern and contemporary editions, related to the poems, prose, and letters of Tang Xianzu;

2. Literature Category
Biographies of Tang Xianzu, critical commentaries on his works, scholarly articles and monographs, analyses of his literary creations, calligraphy and paintings, sculptures, historical photographs, academic journals, promotional materials for academic and performance events, as well as media publications, and more.
 
3. Audio-Visual Category
Video and audio materials, including film and television productions, documentaries, audio recordings, and records of commemorative events, that reflect or are related to Tang Xianzu and his works;

4. Physical Items
Ming‑dynasty scholar’s objects, furniture and vessels, as well as clothing and attire (or replicas);
Performance-related items such as costumes, stage props, and accompanying musical instruments associated with Tang’s plays;

3. Other Categories
Cultural relics, historical materials, and scholarly works related to theatrical activities from different periods;

II. Submission Method:

Donations, acquisitions, loans, and reproductions by individuals (or organizations, groups)

1. Free donation
We earnestly hope that all sectors of society will support the development of cultural and museum undertakings by voluntarily donating eligible collections without compensation.

2. Paid Donation
If the collector is willing to transfer the item for a fee, the Tang Xianzu Memorial Hall will engage experts to conduct a scholarly assessment of the item’s historical value, academic significance, and artistic merit. Based on the findings of this appraisal, the Hall will negotiate with the collector and proceed with the paid acquisition of the item.

3. Copy and Use
The collected items should primarily be physical objects or original artifacts. If the collector has no intention of transferring ownership, a reproduction may be made upon mutual agreement. Collectors are requested to contact the Tang Xianzu Memorial Hall with the physical item (or a photograph) and provide relevant details about the collection, such as its provenance, name, and period. For photographs and video materials, please include information on the date, location, context, and the names, titles, or occupations of any individuals involved.

4. Loan Exhibition
For collections that are inconvenient to donate, the two parties may, upon mutual agreement, adopt a loan‑exhibition arrangement that preserves ownership. Our museum will compensate the collection owner in accordance with the item’s value and the duration of the exhibition.

III. Reward Policy

1. For donors who make gratuitous contributions meeting the Memorial Hall’s criteria for accession, a certificate of donation shall be issued by the Tang Xianzu Memorial Hall or the competent higher authority. In cases involving items of significant cultural‑heritage value, the municipal government shall confer a certificate of donation or a commendation award, and a formal donation ceremony shall be held, with public recognition and publicity in relevant media.
2. For donated or loaned collections that are both substantial in number and of high quality, the memorial hall may, as appropriate, establish a dedicated exhibition area named after the donor, clearly indicating the provenance of the items or the donor’s name alongside their display, or appoint the donor as an honorary member of the memorial hall.

IV. Submission Period:

The collection of cultural relics is a long-term undertaking of the Tang Xianzu Memorial Hall, and the aforementioned methods for soliciting contributions shall remain in effect indefinitely from the date of their public announcement.

V. Contact Information:

Enthusiastic collectors who wish to donate or transfer items are invited to contact us in person, by letter, email, or telephone.

Contact:   Rao Fang    Chen Guoshun
Contact number: 0794-8220366;
13907048996; 13767682760
Email: txzczb @163.com
Postal code: 344000
Contact Address: Tang Xianzu Memorial Hall, Fuzhou City, Jiangxi Province (No. 1325 Wenchang Avenue)