The Treasures of Eight Thousand Years
Six Dynasties, Sui and T'ang Dynasties 220－960 C.E.
Timeline of Dynasties:
(1) Three Kingdoms 220－280 C.E.
(2) Chin 265－420 C.E.
(3) Northern and Southern Dynasties 316－589 C.E.
(4) Sui 581－618 C.E.
(5) T'ang 618－907 C.E.
(6) Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms 907－960 C.E.
Main selection:
Figurine of a standing lady painted with colors Pottery
T'ang Dynasty (618-907)
Introduction:
China underwent multiple phases of fragmentation with intermittent periods of unity from the third to tenth centuries. Social upheaval left the populous in a state of distress and apprehensive about the future; and thus, spiritual beliefs took a turn for idealism and the fantastic.
When the recovering economy began to prosper, tribes from neighboring steppe lands gradually migrated into the Central Plains where they introduced new cultural practices. These waves of influence sparked indigenous Chinese art production in terms of technical expertise and innovative artistic forms. Ironically, through the continuation of political unrest, this troubled period left behind a captivating synthesis of cultures.
 Autobiography Huai-su (725-after 777), T'ang Dynasty |
 Mirror with motifs of grapes and auspicious animals Bronze T'ang Dynasty (618-907) |
 A Palace Concert Anonymous, T'ang Dynasty (618-907) |
 Figurine of a lady playing polo in san-ts'ai tri-color glazes Pottery T'ang Dynasty (618-907) |