Clark in China

In 1908 and 1909, Sterling Clark led a voyage of exploration and discovery across northern China, a region then little known to the outside world. Beginning in Shanxi province and crossing Shaanxi, Ningxia, and Gansu, Clark and his team meticulously mapped their route and collected scientific data and zoological specimens that remain in use today. Although Clark encountered many shrines, temples, and ancient sites during his travels, the expedition was not focused on cultural treasures, and no artifacts were taken. Unearthed commemorates Sterling Clark’s trek across northern China and his publication in 1912 of his account of the journey, Through Shên-kan. The exhibition features recent discoveries from Shanxi and Gansu, two of the provinces traversed by the Clark expedition.

Please visit the microsite for our complementary exhibition, Through Shên-kan: Sterling Clark in China, presented in our Stone Hill Center galleries.