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		Frequently asked questions:

	What is it?


				A major exhibition featuring 115 rare sculptures and objects, including one of the largest groups of life-size terra-cotta figures ever to enter the United States. Excavated from the tomb of the First Emperor of China, the warrior figures will be displayed in the Museum’s main level galleries, along with important objects in gold, silver, bronze, jade, stone and clay, from Xian, the ancient capital of the Qin and Han dynasties (221 B.C.- 220 A.D.). Offering a fascinating glimpse into two of the world’s greatest empires and the ancient peoples who built them, the objects were discovered at various sites in the Shaanxi Province in what is considered to be one of the most significant archeological finds of this century.

		What are the First Dynasties?

			China is the only civilization in the world that has a continuous history of over 5,000 years. In 221 B.C., King Yin Zheng of Qin conquered the last of six feudal states and proclaimed himself Qin the First Emperor (Qin Shihuangdi). He claimed to be mandated by heaven, and aspired to rule a new, unified China for eternity. The reign of the Qin and Han dynasties saw not only the unification of China’s separate states into one nation, but significant social, political and artistic developments that became the foundation of Chinese culture and lasted into the twentieth century.

	Why is this exhibition so special?

			Eternal China: Splendors form the First Dynasties provides a rare opportunity to view many objects that have never before traveled outside of China. While the twelve life-size Qin dynasty terra-cotta figures are certainly a highlight ofthe exhibition, incredible Han dynasty objects also await visitors to Eternal China. These objects include a two ton stone tiger from the tomb of a Han Empire general, a beautiful gilded bronze horse from the tomb of Princess Yangxin, a large, jade Ring-Holder Mask, a rare, jade seal of an Empress, and many other fascinating objects ranging in size from a set of tomb doors to a life-size mouse. The exhibition offers the unique opportunity to view the terra-cotta soldiers more intimately than in China. Visitors will be able to walk among the figures and stand virtually shoulder to shoulder with these ancient warriors. Making this truly a once in a life-time opportunity.


	Haven’t there been other Chinese exhibitions in the United States before?


		While other Chinese exhibitions have visited the United States in the past, this exhibition in Santa Barbara offers an in-depth view at a very focused subject, sculpture of the Qin and Han dynasties. Past Chineseexhibitions have offered a broad surveys of Chinese art, encyclopedic in both time periods and media. Most of the objects in this exhibition have never before left China. It also includes the largest group of life-size terra-cotta figures ever to enter the United States.


	Is there a publication about this exhibition?


	The exhibition is accompanied by a fully illustrated catalogue, with essays by exhibition curator Li Jian, on pictorial stone carvings; by Susan N. Erikson, professor of art history at the University of Michigan, on Han dynasty sculptures, and by Yue Hongbin, archeologist with the Institute of Archeology in Beijing, on archeological discoveries of Qin and Han cities and tombs. The catalogue, which will be available in the Museum Store is 225 pages, 84 color plates, 110 figures, soft cover. Price: $34.95 plus tax.


	Where is the Museum located?


	The Santa Barbara Museum of Art is located at 1130 State Street in the center of the historical arts district. Parking (first 90 minutes free with no charge on Sundays) is available adjacent to the Museum off Anacapa Street. An electric shuttle bus (at a cost of 25 cents) travels up and down State Street from the waterfront, stopping at the Museum’s State Street entrance.


	Who are the sponsors?


	This exhibition was cooperatively organized by the Administrative Bureau of Museums and Archeological Data of Shaanxi Province, Peoples Republic of China, and The Art Institute of Dayton, Ohio. The exhibition in Santa Barbara is completely underwritten by Leslie and Paul Ridley-Tree. Additional programming is made possible by Northern Trust Bank, The Private Bank. The U.S. tour is supported in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. The Museum would like to express its appreciation to KEYT and the Santa Barbara News-Press for their promotional sponsorship of the exhibition in Santa Barbara and to Tenet Healthcare Foundation for their additional support.



	©1998 Santa Barbara Museum of Art

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