Ancient Bronze Figure Displayed In Beijing

A collection of ancient pharmacopoeia boards from Northern China, inscribed with medicinal recipes, are on display. A medical device, believed to be from the Qing Palace Imperial Hospital, has been on display since the National Museum's predecessor, the National History Museum, opened in 1926. Its origin remains a mystery, with some suggesting it dates back to the Ming Dynasty's Zhengtong period and others to the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty. This figure, originally located in Xi'an, has a history of being recreated, with a Ming Dynasty version known as the Zheng Tong bronze figure. There is debate about whether the current figure in the National Museum of China is the Zheng Tong bronze or a version from the Guangxu period. The figure's left hand is raised in a posture that indicates acupuncture measurements, serving as a guide for acupuncturists. A similar bronze figure is also housed in the Tokyo National Museum. A bronze figure, possibly the 'Zhuansheng Tongren' from the Northern Song Dynasty, is believed to have detailed acupuncture points and measurements. A bronze figure, believed to be from the Tian Sheng era, was brought to Beijing and its origins have become blurred.