Description

Immediate dispatch from Somerset. Book in excellent unread/unused condition. See images. Fantastic book.

About the book >.>.> This extraordinary catalogue accompanies a major travel- ing exhibition of bronze jade and clay objects dating from the thirteenth century ac to the third century AD. The majority of these stunningly sophisticated works of art-among the most unusual and spectacular produced anywhere in the ancient world-come from a startling archaeological discovery made in China just fourteen years ago at the previously unknown site of Sanxingdui in Sichuan province. The discovery of this Bronze Age civilization fundamentally changes our understanding of Chinese history. Remarkably varied these striking objects include a monumental standing figure masks and heads of fantastic supernatural beings finely honed jade blades ritual ves- sels marvelous clay statuettes and an almost life-sized bronze horse. The exhibition and catalogue represent a unique international effort to continue the study of ancient Sichuan. The exhibition is organized by Jay Xu Seattle Art Museum’s Curator of Chinese Art. An international team of scholars under the leadership of Robert Bagley con- tributes eight essays on the archaeological discoveries at Sanxingdui on the art historical importance of these objects and on the new history of ancient China they tell. In addition to the essays there are individual entries for each object nearly all of which have been newly photo- graphed for this publication. Ancient Sichuan contributes to a revolutionary change in perceptions of ancient Chinese civilization providing an unprecedented opportunity to explore the art material culture and spiritual life of ancient China (OS)