Sung Dynasty Collection

Figure of a lion, 960-1279 (gilded bronze)
425412 Figure of a lion, 960-1279 (gilded bronze) by Chinese School, Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127); 3.7x9 cm; Freer Gallery of Art, Smithsonian Institution, USA; Freer Gallery of Art

The triumphal entry of Han emperor Liu Bang into the imperial capital of Chang an, 202 B. C
CHINA: HAN EMPEROR. The triumphal entry of Han emperor Liu Bang into the imperial capital of Chang an, 202 B.C. Detail from a silk scroll painting by Chao Po-Chu, Sung Dynasty, 12th century

A Mongol groom leading a horse to be presented as tribute to the Chinese court
CHINA: HORSE AND GROOM. A Mongol groom leading a horse to be presented as tribute to the Chinese court. Detail of a painted handscroll by Chao Yung, Yuan Dynasty, 1347

EMPEROR TAIZU OF SONG (927-976). Emperor Chao K uang-yin, called Taizu. Emperor of China (960-976) and founder of the Song Dynasty. Song Dynasty, Silk hanging scroll by an unknown artist

CHINA: PARAKEET. Detail from Five Colored Parakeet on Blossoming Apricot Tree, a painted silk handscroll by Emperor Hui Tsung, Sung Dynasty, c1115

Women drawing out silk threads (left) and beating silk fibers in a trough with flails
CHINA: SILK MANUFACTURE. Women drawing out silk threads (left) and beating silk fibers in a trough with flails. Detail from Court Ladies Preparing Newly-woven Silk

Women ironing a completed bolt of silk cloth. Detail from Court Ladies Preparing Newly-woven Silk
CHINA: SILK MANUFACTURE. Women ironing a completed bolt of silk cloth. Detail from Court Ladies Preparing Newly-woven Silk, a painted silk handscroll attributed to Emperor Hui Tsung, Sung Dynasty

Chinese philosopher. Chinese incense burner in the shape of a water buffalo and its rider
LAO-TZU (604-531 BC). Chinese philosopher. Chinese incense burner in the shape of a water buffalo and its rider, who is thought to be Lao-tzu. Bronze, Sung dynasty, 960-1127 AD

CHINESE SHIP, 12th CENTURY. A ship outfitted with sails, oars, and wheels for passage on land. Chinese woodcut, 12th century

CHINA: EMPEROR & GENERAL. T ai Tsung, Sung emperor of China (976-997), giving his fur coat to one of his generals before sending him off to war in a cold region. Chinese painting, 18th century

CHINA: DUKE AND GENERALS. Duke Wen of Jin insists on tying his own bootlaces while accompanied by his generals on his way to war against the state of Ch u, c632 B.C

CHINA: EMPRESS MENG. Empress Meng of Che-tsung. Sung Dynasty, Silk hanging scroll

CHINESE SHIP, 12th CENTURY. A ship outfitted with sails, oars and wheels for passage on land. Chinese woodcut, 12th century

The bodhisattva Guanyin in the royal ease position. Painted, lacquered, and gilded wood
CHINA: BODHISATTVA. The bodhisattva Guanyin in the royal ease position. Painted, lacquered, and gilded wood. Jin Dynasty, northern China, 12th century

A view of the Iron Pagoda, built in the mid-11th century, at the Youguo monastery in Kaifeng, China. Photographed c1912
CHINA: IRON PAGODA, c1912. A view of the Iron Pagoda, built in the mid-11th century, at the Youguo monastery in Kaifeng, China. Photographed c1912

A knick-knack peddler in China displaying his hundreds of articles to a woman and her young children
CHINA: PEDDLER & CHILDREN. A knick-knack peddler in China displaying his hundreds of articles to a woman and her young children. Ink on silk, Sung Dynasty, early 13th century, by Li Sung

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The Sung Dynasty, also known as the Song Dynasty, was a period of great cultural and artistic achievements in ancient China. This gilded bronze lion figure from the Sung Dynasty showcases the exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail that defined this era. In another masterpiece from the 12th century, we see a detailed silk scroll painting depicting the triumphal entry of Han emperor Liu Bang into Chang'an, the imperial capital. This artwork by Chao Po-Chu captures not only historical events but also showcases the mastery of Chinese painting techniques during this time. During the Yuan Dynasty, which succeeded the Sung Dynasty, tribute offerings were made to the Chinese court. In a painted handscroll by Chao Yung after Li Gonglin's work, we witness a Mongol groom leading a horse for presentation. The ink and color on paper bring life to this scene and highlight cultural exchanges between different dynasties. Emperor Taizu of Song is an important figure in Chinese history who founded the Song Dynasty. His reign brought stability and prosperity to China. A portrait of Emperor Taizu reminds us of his significant contributions as he ruled over one of China's most influential periods. Artistic expression was not limited to paintings alone during this dynasty; it extended even to everyday objects such as incense burners. A bronze incense burner in the shape of a water buffalo with its rider is believed to represent Lao-tzu, an esteemed philosopher in Chinese culture. Silk production played a crucial role in ancient China's economy during this time. Painted silk handscrolls attributed to Emperor Hui Tsung depict women engaged in various stages of silk production - drawing out threads, beating fibers with flails, and ironing completed bolts of cloth. These artworks provide insights into traditional methods employed by skilled artisans centuries ago. The technological advancements achieved during this period are evident through depictions like that found on a 12th-century ship outfitted with sails, oars, and even wheels for land passage.