Artifacts from ancient civilizations always evoke a sense of wonder and curiosity about the past, providing a glimpse into the stories of long-lost cultures. One such exhibition recently opened in New York, bringing to life the rich history of the Three Yan Kingdoms from China. Titled "Golden Treasures of Longcheng: Selected Artifacts from the Three Yan Kingdoms, 337-436（龙城之金：辽宁三燕文物选萃）", this special autumn exhibition at the China Institute Gallery in New York is showcasing over 100 artifacts from the ancient kingdom of Longcheng (modern-day Chaoyang in Liaoning province). These artifacts tell the story of a civilization that thrived over 1,600 years ago, emphasizing the significance of cultural exchange and the merging of different traditions.
A Forgotten Kingdom Rediscovered
Curator Hai Weilan, from the China Institute Gallery, expressed her excitement at the opportunity to highlight a relatively unknown period in Chinese history. "This unique exhibition sheds light on the largely forgotten culture of the Three Yan Kingdoms," she noted. For the first time, precious relics from Longcheng are on display in the United States, offering a rare opportunity for viewers to understand the deep cultural exchanges that occurred during that era.
The Three Yan Kingdoms, established by the Murong Xianbei people, existed at a time when the Silk Road played a key role in connecting civilizations across Asia. Hai Weilan emphasized that globalization is not a purely modern concept; traces of it can be found in the ancient world as well. The objects on display reveal the exchanges between the East and West, as the kingdom was located along significant trade routes that fostered interactions between various cultures.
One of the exhibition's highlights is a dazzling collection of buyao (步摇), a type of golden hair ornament worn by noblewomen. As the wearer moved, these intricately designed ornaments would shimmer and sway, creating a sense of elegance and beauty. Originating from the Western Regions, these hairpins traveled through the Silk Road and became a symbol of aristocratic fashion in northern China, particularly in the Liaoxi region where the Three Yan Kingdoms flourished.
Cultural Fusion Along the Silk Road
The artifacts on display range from sculptures and bronze mirrors to seals, pottery, and horse gear, each providing insight into the daily lives and spiritual practices of the people who lived during this era. Among the most captivating pieces are the buyao and other gold ornaments, representing both the wealth and the refined craftsmanship of the time. These artifacts are not just physical objects but also bear witness to a period of significant cultural fusion.
The Silk Road was instrumental in driving this cultural exchange, bringing new styles, ideas, and techniques from distant lands. The popularity of the buyao in the Liaoxi region is a prime example of how foreign customs were adapted and integrated into local traditions. This kind of cultural blending is a testament to the openness and interconnectedness of ancient civilizations, particularly along the routes of the Silk Road.
Liu Ning, deputy director of the Liaoning Provincial Museum, explained the meaning behind the exhibition's title, "Golden Treasures of Longcheng." The word "golden" carries dual significance: it refers both to the gold artifacts on display and to the invaluable cultural heritage of the region. According to Liu Ning, the Three Yan culture represents an important chapter in the history of civilizational exchange and integration. She encouraged visitors to not only appreciate the objects on display but also to explore the deeper cultural spirit of Liaoning province by visiting Longcheng itself.
A Glimpse into the Ancient World
Among the other artifacts showcased in the exhibition are bronze tiger-shaped vessels and serene clay statues of meditative Buddhas, each offering a window into the spiritual and artistic life of the Three Yan Kingdoms. The tiger-shaped vessels, with their intricate detailing, symbolize power and strength, while the Buddha statues reflect the region's spiritual landscape, influenced by the spread of Buddhism along the Silk Road.
These artifacts serve as a reminder of the diversity and complexity of ancient Chinese civilization. Though relatively short-lived, the Three Yan Kingdoms were part of a broader historical context in which cultures intersected, religions spread, and art flourished across vast distances. The influence of the Xianbei Murong clan, who founded the kingdom, extended far beyond their borders, contributing to the rich tapestry of Chinese history.
The exhibition is not only a celebration of the material culture of the Three Yan Kingdoms but also a tribute to the dynamic exchanges that occurred between different peoples and regions. By bringing these relics to New York, the China Institute Gallery and the Liaoning Provincial Museum hope to offer audiences a deeper understanding of the importance of cultural dialogue—both in the ancient world and today.
An Invitation to Explore Further
Golden Treasures of Longcheng is a collaboration between the China Institute Gallery and the Liaoning Provincial Museum. Following a media preview and opening event on September 4, the exhibition will be open to the public from September 5, 2023, through January 5, 2025.
For those intrigued by the exhibition, Liu Ning extended an invitation to explore Liaoning's cultural heritage in person. She emphasized that while the artifacts on display in New York are exceptional, they represent just a small fraction of the treasures held in Liaoning's museums. A visit to the province offers the chance to experience the broader context of the Three Yan Kingdoms and the rich history of cultural interaction along the ancient Silk Road.
As visitors wander through the exhibition, they are not only seeing beautiful relics but also hearing the echoes of a forgotten kingdom—a kingdom that, through its openness to other cultures, created a legacy that continues to inspire awe and admiration today. In a world where cultural exchange is more important than ever, the treasures of Longcheng serve as a powerful reminder of the timeless value of dialogue and connection across borders.
