Immerse yourself in one of Asia's most fascinating historical tales, as the Australian Museum invites you on an exploration of China's ancient origins. Between 22 March and 15 June 2003, Two Emperors, Two Dynasties: China's ancient origins will celebrate two great emperors of China: the First Emperor, Qin Shihuang (who reigned from 246-210 BC) and the Fourth Emperor of the Western Han, Jingdi (who reigned from 157-141 BC).
Already garlanded with praise, this remarkable ensemble of artefacts and photographs suggests that the ancient Chinese imperial obsession with death, funerary rituals and the afterlife was comparable to that of the ancient Egyptians and Etruscans, and in many ways more subtle and complex. Qin Shihuang came to the throne at the age of 13, took control of government at 21, and ruled for 36 years, conquering six rival states to form China's first unified territory in 221 BC. The First Emperor's mausoleum, located 35 kilometres east of the modern city of Xi'an, has been excavated over the past 27 years. New chambers have been unearthed, and new discoveries are made daily.
Qin Shihuang's mausoleum represents a peak in monumental art and architecture which influenced royal funerary customs for successive dynasties. The exhibition presents awe-inspiring full-size terracotta figures of generals, charioteers, cavalrymen, archers and musicians, as well as horses, ceremonial armour and weapons that all come from this tomb. During the Han dynasty, China achieved a new measure of imperial unity and economic prosperity. There were major changes in religious practice and intellectual attitudes (evident in Han mausoleums) particularly at Yangling, the burial place of the Fourth Emperor, Jingdi. Excavations began here in 1990 and continue, revealing thousands of miniature funerary objects such as terracotta figures, metal and pottery utensils, bronze and iron weapons, and especially fine jade animals. The ancient artefacts on view successfully juxtapose the mundane with the unearthly. In addition, these powerful objects carry the uplifting and awesome feelings evoked by this unique region of the world.
As in all the best archaeological exhibitions, the placing of objects and narrative encourages the visitor to see a continuous parallel between contemporary life and antiquity. This superb exhibition seriously engages with its two Imperial protagonists and is, at the same time, wonderfully vivid about the society and issues with which it concerns itself.
Wendy Wilkins
An Australian Museum Website
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