Treasures from nearly 70 years of archeological excavations in China will be revealed in a landmark exhibition at China Institute Gallery this fall. Gold from Dragon City: Masterpieces of Three Yan from Liaoning, 337–436 will present artworks and cultural objects on view for the first time in the United States from September 5, 2024 through January 5, 2025. The exhibition features sculptures, bronze mirrors, inkstones, imperial seals, equestrian objects, and ceramic vessels, as well as jewelry and ornaments, many made of gold. The unearthed archeological discoveries are from “Dragon City,” now present-day Chaoyang in Liaoning Province.
The dazzling, dangling head ornament known as buyao (步摇), which gracefully sways with every step, was a signature headdress of an ancient nomadic group in northern China dating back to the fourth century. They had established a state known as Yan (燕) and were led by three successive rulers over the course of a hundred years, a period now referred to as the Three Yan (Sanyan 三燕). Their capital, called “Dragon City” (Longcheng 龙城), was located in today’s Chaoyang, in Liaoning Province. The Yan’s penchant for embellishing themselves with gold sparked the evolution of a distinctive, decorative artistry, profoundly influencing the realm of jewelry craftsmanship.
This exhibition features archaeological finds from the past half century, showcasing about one hundred works including pottery, bronze items, seals, Buddhist objects, glassware, mural paintings (presented in facsimile, as the tombs are refilled after excavation), gold ornaments, and horse decorations. These artifacts vividly depict the life and art of the Three Yan.
Marking a historic milestone, this exhibition stands as the first presentation in the United States exclusively dedicated to the cultural and artistic heritage of northern China’s ancient Three-Yan society. It will provide insight into multiple aspects of this heritage through four distinctive sections: Diversified Culture of the Three Yan; Mural Art of the Three Yan; Gold Art of the Three Yan; and Horse Ornaments in the Decorative Arts of the Three Yan.