Unearthed, Recent Archeological Discoveries from Northern China

Unearthed, Recent Archeological Discoveries from Northern China


Sterling and Francine Clarke Art  Institute, Williamstown, USA 


June 16- October 21, 2012

THE EXHIBITION

Over the last several decades, archaeological discoveries across northern China have brought to light unexpected works of historical significance and extraordinary beauty.Unearthed presents recently excavated artifacts from Shanxi and Gansu provinces, many of which have never been exhibited outside China. These objects range from fantastical tomb guardian beasts to luxury goods, from religious and ritual relics to a magnificent house-shaped sarcophagus. They express the dynamic social and cultural changes taking place across northern China from the fifth to the eleventh century—consequences of the thriving trade along the Silk Road and the military and political ascendance of nomadic tribes—and help redefine our understanding of ancient Chinese cultures.

Sitting Camel, Northern Qi dynasty (550–577 CE), tomb dated 570 CE, painted earthenware, unearthed 1979, tomb of Lou Rui (d. 570 CE), Wangguo Village, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, Shanxi Museum, Taiyuan

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• THE EXHIBITION
• Clark in China
• Archaeology in China Today
• Foreign Influences
• Chinese Identity
• Religions and Belief Systems
• Tombs, Burial Practices, and Afterlife
• A Northern Qi Dynasty Tomb: Lou Rui
  • Lou Rui
• A Northern Wei Dynasty Tomb: Song Shaozu
  • Song Shaozu
  • Sarcophagus of Song Shaozu
  • Song Shaozu's Mortuary Bed
• Buddhism and the Afterlife
  • Sarira
• An Undisturbed Tang Dynasty Tomb
  • Achievements of the Tang
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• Checklist
• Learn more
• Video Highlights