Inland maps of Asia. [Photo provided to nantong.gov.cn]

Three collections in Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province, were recently selected by netizens to represent the rich culture of Jiangsu.

Inland Maps of Asia, which is housed in the Nantong Jianghai Museum, measures 34 centimeters in length, 26.5 cm in width, and 5 cm in thickness and includes 52 maps with explanation in English.

These maps were used by Nantong native Gong Jicheng (1900-45), an expert in road construction in charge of building the railway connecting Yunnan with Myanmar.

A porcelain plate painting of Han Guojun. [Photo provided to nantong.gov.cn]

A porcelain plate painting of Han Guojun is another selected collection. The painting is housed at the Hai'an Museum and is a second-class cultural relic under national protection.

Born in Hai'an, Han worked as governor of both Anhui and Jiangsu provinces in the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and contributed to the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45). Han also authored numerous books and edited ancient books in his later years.

A celadon bag-shaped kettle fired in South China's Yue Kiln. [Photo provided to nantong.gov.cn]

The last collection is the celadon bag-shaped kettle fired in South China's Yue Kiln, which is housed at the Nantong Museum and is a first-class cultural relic under national protection and one of 24 national treasures in Jiangsu.

Made in the late Tang Dynasty (618-907) and Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms (907-960) period, the celadon kettle is in the shape of a leather bag used by nomadic people in North China, reflecting the economic and cultural exchanges between South and North China in ancient times.

The kettle is also an example of the most advanced porcelain making techniques in China with beautiful glazing color and superb craftsmanship.