23 0ctober 1999 - 20 February 2000

As an introduction to the exhibition's main theme, gold, silver and gilded objects from periods prior to the Tang Dynasty include items mostly buried in tombs; gold sword and horse fittings, a replica of one of the bronze carriages and horses from the tomb of China's famous First Emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi (221-206 BC) and a particularly fine gilt bronze horse from a Han Dynasty tomb. Some ceramics and jades buried during this period are also shown to set the gold and silver objects into a general historical context. The second section of the exhibition focusses on objects hidden in hoards, particularly that from Hejiacun, where a number of beautiful gold and silver artefacts and jewellery were found in 1970, having been hurriedly buried, probably during a political crisis in the mid- 8t' century. A number of ceramic figures excavated in the Chang'an area illustrate the fashions, ways of life and pastimes of the Tang aristocracy, while Buddhist statuary emphasises the important role of Buddhism durino the Tang Dynasty.

In the final section, the exhibition shows objects offered to Buddhist temples by devotees and secreted in temple crypts, especially those of Qingshan and Famen temples in Shaanxi province, dramatic discoveries made only the late 1980s. These are amongst the most precious Buddhist treasures belonging to China and the Museum is greatly privileged to be able to display them. They include a gold and silver Bodhisattva figure and a set of caskets, in the innermost one of which was hidden the true relic of the Buddha's finger bone. Some utensils for the Tea Ceremony demonstrate the prominent part it played in Buddhist and secular life of the time. An accompanying catalogue Gilded Dragons: Buried Treasuresfrom China's Golden Ages, by Carol Michaelson, will be available from the Museum bookshops, price 14.99.

Fig.> Horse with immortal rider, Jade. Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-9 AD). Shaanxi province. Xianyang Museum.