The soft gleam of a green German beaker, the luminous glow of an old Bohemian decanter, a glittering wine jar from Spain. These are among the many reflective and mysterious surfaces that temper the bright splash and splendor of a European glass exhibition going on now at the Shenzhen Museum.

    More than 200 glass pieces on loan from the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague are on display, offering a thoughtful, expressive, and utterly breathtaking exploration of glassmaking in Europe from the 4th century B.C. to the present day.

    According to Dusan Seidl, director of the foreign exchange department of the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague, the collections of glass, ceramics and porcelain are among the largest and most significant holdings of his museum, which was founded in 1885. There are 20,000 items in the glass collections, the largest section being examples of Czech origin.

    The exhibits, mostly drinking glasses, are grouped in chronological order. There is a large collection of Renaissance Bohemian glass with enamel paintings and extravagantly cut glass bowls, plates, vases, goblets and bottles spanning from the late Renaissance period to the 20th century. Glass from other glassmaking regions of Europe such as the Roman Empire, Holland and Spain are also on display.

    Enamel paintings of churches, flowers, landscapes and Roman kings on Renaissance glassware with extravagant shapes cast brilliant visual effects. At the exhibition, visitors can also admire reserve glass paintings, another Czech specialty produced in the early 18th century. An image is carefully painted by hand on the back of a pane of glass, using a variety of techniques and materials, and then viewed by turning the glass over and looking through the glass at the image. This art form is among the masterpieces of Baroque glass.

    Another exhibition of cultural relics on loan from six museums in Sichuan Province is also being held at the museum. Featuring a spectacular selection of tomb tiles, bronzeware and pottery figurines, the 168 exhibits showcase the fascinating culture of China during the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.-A.D. 220).

    Among the highlights of the exhibition are tomb tiles featuring vivid, engraved patterns that represent the ways people used to live. Motifs include figures and animals, as well as production and activities such as plowing, sowing, harvesting, herding, banquets and entertainment. There are also depictions of mythological scenes and legendary figures. Families throughout the Han Dynasty made ritual sacrifices of animals and food to deities, spirits and ancestors at temples and shrines, in the belief that these items could be utilized by those in the spiritual realm. Tombs were commonly adorned with uniquely decorated hollow clay tiles that functioned also as a doorjamb to the tomb.

    Dates: Until June 12 (European glass pieces), July 24 (Han Dynasty relics)

    Venue: Shenzhen Museum, Block A, Civic Center, Futian District (福田区市民中心A区深圳博物馆新馆)

    Metro: Shekou or Longhua Line, Civic Center Station (市民中心站), Exit B(SD News)