Author: Beningson, Susan and Cary Y. Liu
Title: Providing for the Afterlife - "Brilliant Artifacts" from Shandong
Description: New York. China Institute Gallery. 2005. First Edition. Quarto. Soft Cover. As New. 116 Pages, over 80 colour photographs. Selected art treasures from Han imperial tombs in bronze, ceramic, gold and jade are seen for the first time in the United States, including terra-cotta figures excavated from a major archaeological discovery in 2002. The concept of tomb architecture and burial items as an ensemble of "brilliant artifacts" (mingqi) is explored, offering many clues about important customs surrounding the Chinese afterlife 2,000 years ago during the Han dynasty (206 BCE to 220 CE). This exhibition highlights the important role of Shandong Province in the cultural history of China, and offers an intimate view of the realm of the afterlife. In some cases, inscriptions in the tombs identify who the tomb occupants were and aspects of their lives can literally and figuratively be pieced together.

Keywords: Chinese Arts Terracotta Tang Han