ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

Over the last several decades, archaeological discoveries across northern China have brought to light unexpected works of historical significance and extraordinary beauty. Unearthed presents recently excavated artifacts from Shanxi and Gansu provinces, many of which have never been exhibited outside China. These objects range from fantastical tomb guardian beasts to luxury goods, from religious and ritual relics to a magnificent house-shaped sarcophagus. They express the dynamic social and cultural changes taking place across northern China from the fifth to the eleventh century—consequences of the thriving trade along the Silk Road and the military and political ascendance of nomadic tribes—and help redefine our understanding of ancient Chinese cultures.

Unearthed was organized by the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute in association with Art Exhibitions China and is supported by the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts.