and scholars.
But the people of this period remained deeply preoccupied with the hereafter as suggested by the chimeras on display. An impressive example of this mythical beast, which was thought to protect the dead in the afterlife, sits majestically at the beginning of this section.
This part of the exhibit also features several figurines and statues of court ladies in ornate dress. Along with displays of gold and silver jewelry, these figures provide detailed examples of the period’s idealized concept of feminine beauty.
Much of the rest of the exhibit, with perhaps the exception of the section on jade — which displays objects from most of the dynasties throughout Chinese civilization — breaks with the main theme of cultural continuity.
The section on Tibetan Tankas (portable paintings depicting religious themes) shows how the traditions of other cultures exerted a profound influence on China — though some might balk at the implication that Tibetan culture forms one part of Chinese civilization.
Next to these wall hangings is a brief, though informative, section about China’s earliest form of writing done on oracle bones.
Art Treasures From the Chinese Scholar’s Study presents curios such as intricately carved ink brush holders and chops — tools of significant importance for scholar-officials.
Viewing so many objects in such limited space can be an overwhelming experience. Fortunately, next to the exhibition area is a large sunroom with wooden chairs and benches that provides a spectacular view of the museum’s pond and gardens below. Resting here for a few minutes provides a comfortable respite from a few hours’ viewing of this excellent survey of Chinese civilization.
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