Washing Basin,
Liao (907-1125), from the tomb of Zhang Shiqing
Ceramic, 2 13/16 x 10 5/8 inches
Collection of the Institute of Cultural Relics, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province. Photo courtesy of Pamela Auchincloss Arts Management.

Differences Preserved: A Liao and a Song Tomb
September 4-December 16, 2001
Special Exhibitions Gallery II

In the latter part of the tenth century, the Liao and Song dynasties existed simultaneously, dividing the historically contested region of today's Hebei Province into two territories. This exhibition of works excavated from two sets of tombs in northern China encourages a reconsideration of the cultural assessment of the Liao (907-1125) and Song (960-1127) dynasties. Organized by the Douglas F. Cooley Memorial Art Gallery at Reed College, Differences Preservedbrings together more than fifty objects—including a gilded burial mask, wooden furniture, and ceramics—and seventeen photographic reproductions of tomb interiors, including sections of mural paintings. The two tombs are contemporaneous (late eleventh century), from the same province, and the social status of their occupants—both affluent and influential—is similar, yet comparison of the two reveals enormous differences. The exhibition offers evidence that, within an area of a hundred miles, two different cultures were practiced by ethnically similar people living under two different political systems, and documents the ways that power and politics dominate the direction of cultural practice. The exhibition is accompanied by an illustrated catalogue.

Chair,
Liao (907-1125), from the tomb of Zhang Wenzao
Wood, 30 11/16 x 29 15/16 x 15 3/8 inches
Collection of the Institute of Cultural Relics, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province. Photo courtesy of Pamela Auchincloss Arts Management.

Teapot with Lid,
Liao (907-1125), from the tomb of Zhang Shiqing
Ceramic, yellow, green, and white glazes, 5 1/8 x 5 15/16 x 4 5/8 inches
Collection of the Institute of Cultural Relics, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province. Photo courtesy of Pamela Auchincloss Arts Management.

Figurine of a Dog,
Song (960-1127)
Ceramic, white and black glazes, 3 x 1 1/2 x 1 3/4 inches
Collection of the Institute of Cultural Relics, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province. Photo courtesy of Pamela Auchincloss Arts Management.

Attendants in Service,1931
Liao (907-1125), from the tomb of Zhang Shiqing
Color photographic print, 19 x 23 1/2 inches
Photo courtesy of Pamela Auchincloss Arts Management.

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