Unearthed

In 1908, the American adventurer Robert Sterling Clark organized a scientific expedition to northern China to create a detailed geographical survey, photograph the region and it people, and collect samples of the flora and fauna. Inspired by this important early record of the region, the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute has organized a major exhibition of Chinese archaeological treasures from the Shanxi, Shaanxi, Ningxia, and Gansu provinces. Ranging from gilt bronze plaques with fabulous animal imagery produced by early nomadic cultures, to tomb guardians charged with protecting the deceased, to luxury goods reflecting the lucrative "Silk Road" trade, to objects designed for religious or ritual purposes, many of these artefacts have never before been exhibited outside China and are helping to redefine our understanding of ancient Chinese cultures. "Unearthed" showcases over 85 recently excavated objects from museums and archaeological institutes in cities along Clark's original route. Detailed texts discuss tradition and innovation in Chinese art; China's interactions with the outside world through trade and invasion; artistic techniques and styles; and cultural traditions. The acquisition of the artefacts is contextualized within the major developments in Chinese archaeology over the past hundred years, with particular attention to the intense periods after 1950 and its status today.