The Splendor of an Age: Cultural Exhibition of Tang Dynasty Murals — Episode I
Exhibition Period｜2021/03/02～04/07
The Tang Dynasty stands as a golden age that marks a proud peak in Chinese history. As the most advanced empire of its time, its capital, Chang'an, drew a vibrant influx of foreign ambassadors, Buddhist monks, and merchant caravans from across the globe. This dynamic cultural melting pot birthed an era of unmatched elegance, magnanimity, and imperial grandeur. Today, over a millennium later, contemporary audiences can still step through a portal into this thriving civilization through the preserved art of Tang murals. Driven by a cultural reverence for lavish funerals, the scale and artistic achievement of Tang tomb murals reached an unprecedented pinnacle. Since the mid-20th century, excavations centering around Xi'an, Shaanxi—encompassing ancient Chang'an and its imperial territories—have systematically brought the tombs of royals and elites to light, providing downstream generations with invaluable materials to decode Tang history, culture, and art. Guided by the ancient funerary philosophy of "serving the dead as if they were alive," these subterranean murals do more than recreate the daily lives and idealized aspirations of the deceased; they act as a mirror to multi-ethnic integration and social customs, capturing the open, pluralistic soul of the Tang spirit. Entitled "The Splendor of an Age: Cultural Exhibition of Tang Dynasty Murals — Episode I," this traveling exhibition tours premier universities and local communities across Taiwan. It leverages cutting-edge technology—such as 3D printing, physical scale models, and multimedia digital displays—alongside interactive events to offer visitors an intimate, up-close viewing experience, allowing them to immerse themselves in the ancestral wisdom and extraordinary charm of Tang culture. The exhibition is meticulously curated into four thematic sections: Section 1: Chang'an uses historic maps to analyze the urban grid of the ancient capital, contrasting its immense scale with other major world cities of the same era. It pairs royal and aristocratic tomb murals with an introduction to the Tang bureaucratic system, offering viewers an intuitive look into the court and imperial household. Section 2: Lifestyle Trends introduces the unique character of the Tang people. It spotlights confident, spirited Tang women who actively participated in social affairs, alongside robust Tang men passionate about hunting and polo matches. Section 3: Cultural Convergence centers on the bustling international trade and cross-border exchanges within Chang'an, showcasing the inclusive, cosmopolitan spirit of the empire. Section 4: Reclamation and Rebirth uses the Tomb of Crown Prince Yide as a case study. Featuring a cross-sectional architectural model of the tomb structure, it covers technical histories like mural-painting methodologies and archaeological discoveries, guiding viewers to contemplate the critical preservation of cultural heritage. Beyond the core gallery space, the project features custom peripheral activities designed to deepen cultural learning. The exhibition coordinates a dedicated campus lecture series across partner institutions, matching topics to the participating departments' academic disciplines. Renowned scholars and international specialists will deliver specialized keynotes via online platforms. Through this rich tapestry of content, the exhibition aims to cultivate a deep appreciation for the value of Tang mural art, inspire dialogues on heritage protection, and spark creative thinking and practical applications across fields.
Performance Highlights