THIS column is basically about dealers, what
they are doing and what affects them. I would not generally give too much space
to museum exhibitions and the like, dealers are quite well informed about the
academic institutions.
But I really must mention ‘The Search for
Immortality: Tomb Treasures of Han China’ which opened at the Fitzwilliam
Museum, Cambridge in early May and continues to November 11.
This is the first exhibition of its kind and
graphically chronicles the struggle for Imperial legitimacy in the Han dynasty
(206BC-220AD), the seminal period in the foundation of what is now modern
China.
This pioneering show unveils recent
archaeological discoveries of more than 300 ancient royal treasures in jade,
gold, silver, ceramics and bronze and is the most important such exhibition ever
to travel outside China.
The Han dynasty defined China and as Dr Timothy
Potts, Director of the Fitzwilliam, says “It is impossible to overstate the
importance of the Han Dynasty in the formation of a Chinese national culture
and identity”.
These tomb treasures must be seen and, whatever
area one collects or deals in, Dr Potts emphasises “for their artistry,
refinement and pure beauty they rival anything from the ancient world”.
Take his word for it and visit.