 Life in the Emperor's Tomb
The T.T.Tsui collection of Chinese Art in the National Gallery of Australia
4 February - 5 April 1999
Spanning some seventeen centuries of ceramics and sculpture, Dr T.T. Tsui's gift to the
National Gallery of Australia offers a spectacular panorama of Chinese culture, and the
pieces selected specially for exhibition at the McDougall illustrate superbly the cultural
peaks of China's long history.
Dr Tsui's collection represents two decades of research and acquisition, and he has
subsequently supported major museums worldwide through gifts and assistance. As T.T. Tsui
says, "ancient works of art are the most persuasive and durable evidence of the
cultural traditions of the people".
The art objects themselves vary considerably in style, form and size. A pottery jar
from the Han dynasty (206BC - AD220) is impressively large, yet reveals a strikingly
simple and elegant aesthetic. A pottery figurine from the same era gives insight to the
costume of the period, and reminds one of the similarity of many Chinese design
conventions in clothing and form over the centuries. By contrast, objects from the Tang
dynasty, (AD618-906) such as the glazed earthenware camels, are compellingly lifelike,
while the menacing Lokapala (guardian figure) is a study in finely-wrought ferocity. In
every case, it is remarkable that vulnerable objects of such antiquity have survived the
ages, to evoke the atmosphere of ancient China in our present-day. This is a major
exhibition to acknowledge the national Festival of Asia, and for their continuing support
we thank the ASIA 2000 Foundation of New Zealand, one of whose roles is to promote an
appreciation of Asian culture in the community. This is an exhibition which will obviously
appeal to those of Chinese heritage, but will be equally enjoyable for all with an
interest in the art of ancient cultures. The Director, Dr Brian Kennedy and his staff at
the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra have all been most helpful in making the
early touring of this exhibition possible, and we are especially indebted to Ms Robyn
Maxwell, their Senior Curator of Asian Art, for her support. This exhibition forms the
basis of a show scheduled to tour Australia at a later date, and Ms Maxwell's efforts on
our behalf have made possible advanced preparation and conservation of the art objects
which we will enjoy here from February until April.
Proudly supported by Christchurch Casino and ASIA 2000 Foundation
of New Zealand
This exhibition was held at the Robert McDougall Art Gallery in the Botanic Gardens.
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