The Tang dynasty was one of the most powerful in Chinese history. In this period, China becomes the the most prominent civilization in East Asia—with links east to Korea and Japan and west, along the Silk Route.
618 - 907
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Zither (qin) inscribed with the name “Dragon’s Moan”
Qin have for centuries been valued as a symbol of high culture by the Chinese elite class.
A Tang silk brocade
Chinese fabrics—typically silks—were traded widely and became one of the most popular goods on the Silk Road.
Tang dynasty (618–907), an introduction
The Tang dynasty is considered a golden age in Chinese history.
Figure of a seated court lady
ThisTang dynasty figure tells us something about human beauty & its moment in time
Admonitions Scroll, attributed to Gu Kaizhi
The Admonitions of the Instructress to the Court Ladies is an eighth-century copy of the earliest and finest painting attributed to Gu Kaizhi, and illustrates a political parody
The paintings and manuscripts from cave 17 at Mogao (2 of 2)
Cave art at Mogao reflects changing beliefs as well as stylistic influences from India, the West, and the Tang.
The paintings and manuscripts from cave 17 at Mogao (1 of 2)
Hidden in a cave and undisturbed for centuries, this important collection of paintings was rediscovered in 1900.
Attributed to Zhou Fang, Ladies Wearing Flowers in Their Hair
“Beautiful women paintings” provide insight into ideals of beauty and other social customs at the Tang court.
Chinese Buddhist cave shrines
Why were cave shrines created? Who were the patrons? What was their use? Discover these remarkable ancient sites.
Mogao caves at Dunhuang
Located at a desert crossroads along the Silk Road, these famous caves boast wall paintings and colorful sculpture.
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