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China Institute Gallery Announces Theater, Life, and the Afterlife. Tomb Decor of the Jin Dynasty from Shanxi

The China Institute Gallery in New York presents Theater, Life, and the Afterlife. Tomb Decor of the Jin Dynasty from Shanxi an exhibition on view February 9—June 17, 2012.

Character of Zhuanggu (male role acting as officials) in the Zaju (variety play). Brick carving. Jin dynasty (1115–1234), H 35 x W 27.5 x D 5 cm, Unearthed from Yuanqu county, Shanxi province

Brick carving is a traditional folk art that was used to decorate architecture and adorn tombs. Excavations in recent decades have uncovered unique and theatrically-themed brick carvings from the Shanxi province, revealing a passion for theater and opera in this region during the Jin dynasty (1115–1234). The tombs of Shanxi, adorned with beautiful, intricate brick carvings and other décor, illustrate two kinds of popular entertainment: Za Ju, formal performances of written plays and San Qu, performances related to village festivals. An entirely reconstructed tomb will offer visitors a window into the ways ancient art patrons transferred the artistic joys of life into the afterlife. Theater, Life, and the Afterlife: Tomb Décor of the Jin Dynasty from Shanxi, brings to life the intersection of the brick carving and theater traditions.

China Institute advances a deeper understanding of China through programs in education, culture, business and art in the belief that cross-cultural understanding strengthens our global community.

China Institute in America
125 East 65th Street, New York, NY 10065 212.744.8181 www.chinainstitute.org

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