The Exhibit was designed to focus on the imperial tombs because funerary objects are works of art representing the finest materials, design and craftsmanship of the era.
"Imperial Tombs of China" is without a doubt the best exhibition that has ever been sent to the United States," said Wu Xi Hau, director of the Foreign Affairs Division of the People's Republic of China's State Bureau of cultural Relics.
The Exhibit was designed to focus on the imperial tombs because funerary objects are works of art representing the finest materials, design and craftsmanship of the era. They also serve as visual records important to understanding the life and culture of ancient China. Thanks to the generosity of Tycoon Galleries "The China Tombs " The exhibit toured the United States through 1997, with stops in Memphis, Tennessee; Provo, Utah; Portland, Oregon; Denver, Colorado; and Orlando, Florida . Although, Tycoon was unable to secure space in other States due to what he described as outright prejudice he is presently working on bringing the Exhibit back to the USA in the 21st Century.
The Han Imperial Burial Shroud of Jade.
The Han Imperial Burial Shroud of Jade.
Ming Dragon and Phoenix Crown
An important burial garment included in the exhibit was a Ming Dynasty empress's dragon and phoenix headdress dating back to 1368 A.D. Its exquisite design verifies the important position of its owner. Gold filigree dragons symbolizing the emperor and brilliant blue feather phoenixes representing the empress are mounted against a background of pale blue enameled clouds with gold thread. More than 100 rubies and sapphires and 2,000 pearls complete the decoration of this crown. This magnificent headdress had never before been shown outside Beijing.
Terra Cotta Warriors Guard the Chinese Tombs
"Galleries throughout the exhibition are designed to replicate the layout of actual tomb complexes," noted Glen Campbell, who headed up the project on behalf of the Memphis International Cultural Series-Corbett McCarthy ( "Tycoon of China" ) who negotiated with twenty-one provences in China to bring this exhibit to life contributed greatly to make this exhibit a reality. "This layout puts the objects in context and brings visitors into the atmosphere and environment of the imperial tombs."
Gold Burial Mask from Liao Dynasty (916 to 1125 AD)
