NEW YORK.- The Metropolitan Museum of Art presents China: Dawn of a Golden Age, 200–750 AD, through January 23, 2005. Chinese civilization underwent a major transformation during the period spanning the turn of the 3rd century (Late Han dynasty) to the mid-8th century (High Tang dynasty) as a result of the massive immigration of people from Northern Asia into China and extensive trade contacts with all parts of Asia. This landmark exhibition tells the story of Chinese art and culture during this formative period, focusing especially on East–West cross-cultural interchange. Comprising some 300 objects—the majority of them recent archaeological finds—this is one of the largest exhibitions ever to come out of mainland China. While most of the objects are Chinese works of art, the exhibition also presents gold artifacts of the nomadic peoples from Mongolia, who entered North China after the collapse of the Han dynasty, and luxury articles of glass and precious metals imported from Western and Central Asia during the 4th to 6th centuries. Some of the most famous early Chinese Buddhist sculptures are also on view, as well as a spectacular assemblage of works in every medium from the Tang period, interpreted as the culmination of several centuries of cultural exchange and adaptation.
An international symposium is planned in connection with this exhibition on Saturday, November 13. For further information, please e-mail lectures@metmuseum.org. This symposium is made possible by The Madeline & Kevin Brine Charitable Trust, Leon D. Black, and the Thaw Charitable Trust.
Beginning October 18, visitors will have the unique opportunity to view "China: Dawn of a Golden Age, 200–750 AD" on selected Mondays when the Museum is closed to the public. A limited number of tickets at $50 per person are available. For information on ticket reservations, including dates and viewing times, please see the online calendar.