S A N X I N G D U I B R O N Z E H E A D
1 3 t h C E N T U R Y B C
Sanxingdui was a highly advanced, Bronze Age
civilization that abruptly vanished about 1000 BC.
A number of heads with mysterious alien-like eyes
have been unearthed at pits associated with ritual
sacrifice. They may represent deities, ancient spirits
or legendary kings of the Shu Dynasty, such as
Cancong, the ruler with bulging eyes.
W O M A N W I T H A M I R R O R
E A S T E R N H A N D Y N A S T Y 2 2 0 A D
A warm greeting from one that serves the deceased
in the afterlife. But she is not Cinderella cleaning
cinders from the fireplace. This is a lady of the
Han court. The elaborate headdress, the sophisticated
getup and the very pricey bronze mirror all announce
her elite status in society.
She is all these things as well as someone's aunt,
delighted by a toddler's first efforts to walk.
E N L I G H T E N E D B E I N G
S O N G D Y N A S T Y 9 6 0 - 1 2 7 9 A D
Divinity has come down to Earth and is accessible
to all. Still this Buddha is at Royal Ease - relaxed,
but with divine authority. Here is the Moon-Water
Buddha, having a compassionate ear but also lost
in contemplation over the illusion of existence -
a glimmering mirage, as is a moon's reflection
over water.
F L Y I N G H O R S E O F G A N S U
2 N D C E N T U R Y A D
This mingai, or burial object, resided undisturbed in
the tomb of an army general for nearly two thousand
years before its discovery in the 1960s. The vigorous
naturalism of this galloping bronze horse breaks with
the static formalism that ruled over the design of
traditional monuments for hundreds of years.
The weight of the horse is perfectly balanced on a
single hoof. This cultural icon is on a short
list of artifacts that are far too treasured by the
nation to ever be allowed to leave mainland China.
L E S H A N G I A N T B U D D H A
8 0 3 A D T A N G D Y N A S T Y
Maitreya, the Future Buddha, symbolized happiness
and was carved from red sandstone in the hope this
towering sculpture would calm the confluence of three
rivers that passed by its feet. It worked.
The vast amount of rock excavated from the site
in order to create the statue was dumped into
the river, stabilizing the turbulent currents.
G U A N Y I N O F T H E S O U T H E R N S E A S
L I A O - J I N D Y N A S T I E S 8 0 7 - 1 2 3 4 A D
The Guanyin Buddha was depicted as approachable,
benevolent, and personally appealing.
What began as a male representation of this form of
Buddha became, over time, increasingly androgenous
as characteristics shifted towards feminine features.
There was no reason to fear this deity of mercy.
This Buddha of compassion would readily tend to
your suffering. You mattered.
Here was a humane expression of values.
The world was growing a heart.
* * * * *
OVER EASY
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