July 27 through September 15, 2002
At The Arthur M. Sackler Museum (more about the Sackler)

Standing, Helmeted, Armor-Clad, Mustachioed Guardian Warrior of So-Called Lokapala or "Heavenly King" Type, with His Right Hand Raised and the Tail of His Garment Billowing in the Wind, Trampling a Supine Demon, Tang dynasty, 8th century. Molded, white earthenware with cold-painted pigments, gold leaf, and oxidized silver leaf, 60.5 x 37.5 x 20.5 cm. Collection of Anthony M. Solomon. Photo by Maggie Nimkin. Photo courtesy of Harvard University Art Museums. (catalogue #55)

This exhibition will include approximately 75 Chinese tomb sculptures from the Han (206 BC-AD 220) through Tang (AD 618-907) periods. Made exclusively for burial, such clay and wooden sculptures of humans and animals were placed in tombs to protect and to serve the spirit of the deceased.

The exhibition's title, From Court to Caravan, reflects that broad array of subjects--from courtly to humble to foreign--that inform the Chinese tomb sculpture tradition.

Solomon's collection concentrates on unglazed pieces that were embellished with mineral pigments after firing. Such painted pieces have a more naturalistic and broader array of colors and decorative patterns. A fully illustrated, color-printed catalogue containing a detailed essay and checklist accompanies the exhibition.

Press Release