© Shanghai Museum; photograph provided by Houston Museum of Natural Science
Painted Pottery Tomb Guardian (Han Dynasty, 206 B.C.-220 A.D.). Earthenware. H. 42.6 cm, L. 41.6 cm.
Chinese tomb guardian statues were used during the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.-220 A.D.) to protect the soul of the deceased and the objects included in one's burial from evil. With large and angry eyes wide open and a horn protruding between them, this powerful winged sculpture displays its fierce demeanor by means of its bared teeth and flared nostrils. Noblemen were believed to be able to ride the creature to heaven. This work of art is part of Treasures from Shanghai: 5,000 Years of Chinese Art and Culture, a selection of 77 objects that trace the development of Chinese civilization and art from Neolithic times (ca. 3000 B.C.) to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911 A.D.). The first exhibition to come to the United States from the famous Shanghai Museum in more than 20 years, it includes bronze vessels, handscrolls with painted calligraphy and splendid landscapes, jade and bamboo carvings, lacquer works, paintings, polychrome pottery, porcelains and sculptures. Also on view are oracle bones whose carvings represent the earliest form of Chinese writing. Court culture and ceremonies are explored through some 20 bronze vessels, cookware and musical instruments.
"Treasures from Shanghai: 5,000 Years of Chinese Art and Culture" is on view from February 18 through August 19, 2007 at the Bowers Museum of Cultural Art, 2002 North Main Street, Santa Ana, CA 92706 (Telephone: 714-567-3600; Website). The museum is Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Admission is $17.00 for adults and $12.00 for seniors (age 62 or older) and students. Prices increase by $2.00 on the weekend. The exhibition travels next to the Houston Museum of Natural Science in Texas from September 14, 2007 through January 6, 2008.
This picture comes from one of the many special art exhibitions available to you during Summer 2007. To view the full list of shows, please see this page.
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From your Guide: Stan Parchin, Senior Correspondent for Museums and Special Exhibitions, is a specialist in ancient, late-medieval and Renaissance art and history, and a regular contributor to About Art History. You may read all of his Special Exhibition and Catalogue Reviews here.
"Treasures from Shanghai: 5,000 Years of Chinese Art and Culture" is on view from February 18 through August 19, 2007 at the Bowers Museum of Cultural Art, 2002 North Main Street, Santa Ana, CA 92706 (Telephone: 714-567-3600; Website). The museum is Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Admission is $17.00 for adults and $12.00 for seniors (age 62 or older) and students. Prices increase by $2.00 on the weekend. The exhibition travels next to the Houston Museum of Natural Science in Texas from September 14, 2007 through January 6, 2008.
This picture comes from one of the many special art exhibitions available to you during Summer 2007. To view the full list of shows, please see this page.
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From your Guide: Stan Parchin, Senior Correspondent for Museums and Special Exhibitions, is a specialist in ancient, late-medieval and Renaissance art and history, and a regular contributor to About Art History. You may read all of his Special Exhibition and Catalogue Reviews here.