Many of us think of China as monolithic: a gigantic, singular entity defined by one land, one people, one culture. But China is composed of diverse landscapes, ethnicities, social statuses, and lived experiences that cut across both space and time. The Field Museum’s Cyrus Tang Hall of China explores this vast country and examines the paradox of constant change and strong continuity that define more than 5,000 years of Chinese cultural history, from the Neolithic period to the present.<\/p>\n
Over the centuries, classical Chinese gardens have been carefully crafted as spaces for contemplation, relaxation, and appreciaton of nature. Classical gardens are experienced as works of art, and were originally designed by artists who took inspiration from landscape paintings. The first classical gardens date to the 6th century. The designers of the Sue Ling Gin Garden have incorporated elements inspired by traditional design into this space.<\/p>\n","related":"","imgG":"\/content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/eg-hero-400x319.jpg","imgH":"\/content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/eg-hero.jpg"}, {"id":"499","title":"Keypad","slug":"keypad","parentPage":0,"text":"","related":"","imgG":"\/content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/eg-hero-400x319.jpg","imgH":""}, {"id":"552","title":"Exhibition Highlights","slug":"highlights","parentPage":0,"text":"
Exsplore some of the unique experiences in the Cyrus Tang Hall of China, including recreated landscapes of the Neolithic, a map showing thousands of years of changing political boundaries, a 27-foot-long handscroll to explore in detail, and a recreated shadow puppet theater.<\/p>\n
Stone
\n17th-18th century AD
\nQing Dynasty (AD-1644-1711)
\nChina<\/p>\n
127916, 127917<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Lions guard important places These centuries-old lions may have once stood guard over a Chinese temple, government building, or wealthy home. In China, lion statues at the entrances of important sites protect the building and those inside. In 1940, these lions made their way to The Field Museum from China by way of Indiana, where they spent decades at a private estate.<\/p>\n
Lions like these come in pairs \u2014one male and one female, both with tightly curled manes.<\/p>\n
The male lion on your right rests his paw on a ball, possibly representing the world. The female on your left has her paw on a cub. Together, the lions symbolize power and a strong line of offspring.<\/p>\n","related":"","rObjs":"","rCaption":"","imgG":"","imgH":"\/content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/Lions-1024x670.jpg"}, {"id":"966","title":"China’s Stone Age beginnings","slug":"chinas-stone-age-beginnings","parentPage":374,"text":"
In the 1930s, these stone tools were discovered in a cave near Beijing (then called Peking), China. At the site, researchers worked together to uncover tools, animal bones, and the remains of a human ancestor that came to be known as “Peking Man.”<\/p>\n
These discoveries changed our understanding of how our Homo erectus ancestors spread across the globe. Like modern humans, the species adapted to its environment through cultural innovations, such as these stone tools. This ingenuity carries throughout the history of China?and of all of humanity.<\/p>\n
The Tang Hall<\/em>\u00a0is made possible with the generous support of the Cyrus Chung Ying Tang Foundation. Additional support provided by the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund in memory of Sue Ling Gin McGowan.<\/p>\n Cyrus Chung Ying Tang Foundation The Field Museum also extends its thanks to the Chinese Consulate General in Chicago for their support throughout this process. Numerous scholars shared their knowledge regarding the Museum\u2019s collection <\/p>\n and other matters concerning China, and the Museum is thankful for their generosity.<\/p>\n This companion website\u00a0was made possible by the Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation and the Henry Luce Foundation <\/p>\n
\nWilliam G. McGowan Charitable Fund
\nBank of America
\nRhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation
\nElizabeth F. Cheney Foundation
\nChicago Community Trust
\nEfroymson Family Fund \u2013 A CICF Fund
\nMr. and Mrs. Marshall Field
\nSue Ling Gin
\nHenry Luce Foundation
\nHolly and John Madigan
\nCarol H. Schneider
\nSuzhou Municipal Government
\nCAPT Dave Truitt
\nUnited Airlines<\/p>\nCyrus Tang Hall of China<\/em> Exhibition Online<\/h1>\n