The Tang Dynasty (618-907) is a fascinating era due to its flourishing economy, openness, inclusiveness and diverse and prosperous culture facilitated by the Silk Road. The Nanshan Museum is currently hosting an exhibition titled “A Time of Plenty: Life of a Tang County Princess,” showcasing invaluable Tang relics and offering a glimpse into the grandeur of this remarkable era.

Two clay figures of female musicians on horseback. One plays the pipa and the other plays the konghou.  Photos by Cao Zhen

The exhibition displays 146 artifacts from the Jinxiang County Princess’ tomb located in modern Xi’an, Shaanxi Province. As the granddaughter of the founding emperor of the Tang Dynasty, the county princess witnessed the heyday of the dynasty as her 71-year life spanned from 651 to 722.

During that period, the busy Silk Road brought unprecedented prosperity to the Tang Dynasty. Abundant goods and materials brought by foreign diplomatic envoys, business traders and religious people from all over the world flocked to Chang’an, the Tang capital where the county princess resided.

Two clay figures of  Tang Dynasty women.

The open, inclusive and prosperous era nurtured the colorful life of the county princess, which can be sensed not only from the exhibited relics but also from paintings depicting life scenes at that time.

Her tomb was accidentally discovered in 1991 in the east suburb of Xi’an, and revealed a rich collection of 181 burial objects, including fragments of a gold crown, clay figures of civil officials, military officers, guards of honor, musicians, game hunters and female attendants in male attire. All of the findings are of superb craftsmanship, suggesting the tomb owner’s high social status.

A large painting depicts acrobatics in the Tang Dynasty.

The exhibition also features Tang relics that showcase a strong influence from the Western Regions. Through the clay figurines, visitors can observe how women in that flourishing period enjoyed a high social status. They were depicted engaged in activities such as hunting, often dressed in male attire or wearing foreign outfits.

The vibrant urban life in Chang’an is also reflected through the clay figurines of acrobats and stage performers. According to the exhibition profile, music, dance, acrobatics, and magic acts from Central Asia gained great popularity in the Tang capital. Additionally, fine art, music and medicine from South Asia, as well as various aspects of religion, architecture, and sports from West Asia, all had a significant presence in Chang’an, contributing to the metropolis’ unique charm and splendor.

Dates: Until Nov. 26

Booking: WeChat miniprogram “南山博物馆预约”

Venue: Nanshan Museum, Nanshan District (南山博物馆)

Metro: Line 1 or 12 to Taoyuan Station (桃园站), Exit B