I. Prehistoric Times II. Xia, Shang, and Western Zhou Dynasties III. Spring and Autumn and Warring States Periods IV. Qin and Han Dynasties V. Three Kingdoms, Jin, and Southern and Northern Dynasties VI. Sui, Tang, and the Five Dynasties VII. Liao, Song, Xixia, Jin, and Yuan Dynasties VIII. Ming and Qing Dynasties

Sui, Tang, and the Five Dynasties

(581–960 AD)

I. A Unified Multi-ethnic Country



After 300 years of division and ethnic integration, China entered an age of unity and prosperity near the end of the 6th century. The Sui and Tang Dynasties, with a western capital at Chang’an and an eastern capital at Luoyang, enjoyed a period of significant territorial expansion, active communication between ethnic peoples, improved legal institutions, and unprecedented economic and cultural achievements. This period marks another important stage in the development of a unified multi-ethnic country after the Qin and Han Dynasties.
Celadon Warriors
Sui Dynasty ( 581-618AD )
Painted Pottery Horsemen with Gold Foil
Tang Dynasty, 2nd year of Shenlong Era ( 706AD )
Sancai-glazed Pottery Musicians on Camelback
Tang Dynasty, 11th year of Kaiyuan Era (723 AD)
Painted Stone Relief with Warrior
Later Liang Dynasty (907–923 AD)
Iron Plaque for Qian Liu
Tang Dynasty, 4th year of Qianning Era (897 AD)
Gilded Bronze Pushou (door knocker)
Former Shu Kingdom (891–925 AD)

  • Portrait of Emperor Wendi (replica)

    After Portraits of Emperors (by Yan Liben, Tang Dynasty)

  • Portrait of Emperor Taizong (replica)
    After painting in the Nanxundian Collection, Palace Museum, Beijing

  • Empress Wu’s Procession (replica)
    Original attributed to Zhang Xuan (dates unknown), Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Confucian Classic Engraved on Stone Tablet
    Confucian Classic Engraved on Stone Tablet

II. Economy



The Sui and Tang Dynasties enjoyed a long period of peace and prosperity. The population was rapidly expanding and policies were adopted to stimulate agricultural production, the handicraft industry, and trade. During the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, while the Central Plains economy was damaged by war, the Yangtze River basin witnessed fast economic growth. The lower Yangtze River valley became the land of plenty and China’s economic centre shifted to the south.
Gauze Printed with Hunting Pattern
Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)
Gilded Silver Dish with Lion Design and Three Legs
Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)
Bronze Mirror with Auspicious Animal Design
Bronze Mirror with Auspicious Animal Design
Bronze Mirror Inlaid with Mother-of-pearl
Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)
Bronze Mirror with Inscription
Southern Tang Kingdom, 11th year of Baoda Era (953 AD)
Mise (secret colour) Porcelain Dish
Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)
White-glazed Porcelain Ewer with Chicken-head Spout
White-glazed Porcelain Ewer with Chicken-head Spout
White-glazed Porcelain Ewer with Dragon-shaped Handles
Sui Dynasty, 4th year of Daye Era (608 AD)
Green-glazed Porcelain Ewer with Poem in Brown Ink
Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)
Yellow-glazed Porcelain Ewer with Brown Spots and Applique Design
Tang Dynasty ( 618-907AD )
Sancai-glazed Pottery Heavenly King
Tang Dynasty (618-907AD)
“Kaiyuan Tongbao” Bronze Coin
Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Curved-shaft Plough (model)
    Based on Classic of Farming Tools (by Lu Guimeng, Tang Dynasty)

  • Noria Waterwheel (model)
    Based on Ode to the Waterwheel (by Chen Tingzhang, Tang Dynasty) and Book on Agriculture (by Wang Zhen, Yuan Dynasty)

  • Brocade with Roundel Pattern
    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Silk with Grape Pattern
    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Silk Band with Six-colour Triangle Pattern
    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Silk Printed with Floral Pattern
    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Silk with Dyed Pattern
    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Gilded Silver Ornaments with Phoenix and Vegetal Design
    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Bronze Mirror with Gold and Silver Appliqué
    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Calabash-shaped Celadon Zun (vessel)
    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Celadon Ying (vessel), Yue Ware
    Tang Dynasty, 4th year of Dazhong Era (850 AD)

  • Celadon Jar with Lid and Six Lugs
    Southern Han Kingdom (917–971 AD)

  • White-glazed Porcelain Jar with Lid
    Sui Dynasty, 6th year of Daye Era (610 AD)

  • White-glazed Porcelain Bottle
    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Greenish-yellow-glazed Porcelain Dish Painted with Brown Flowers and Grass
    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Porcelain Jar with Blue Splashes and Four Lugs
    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Marbled Porcelain Pillow
    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Sancai-glazedPottery Cabinet
    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Sancai-glazedPottery Mythical Beast Tomb Guardians
    Sancai-glazedPottery Mythical Beast Tomb Guardians

  • “Wuzhu”Bronze Coins
    Sui Dynasty (581–618 AD)

III. Lifestyle



During the Sui, Tang, and Five Dynasties period, economic prosperity and an abundance of goods raised the standards of living and the quality of everyday life. Unprecedented interaction between ethnic peoples and with foreign cultures created an opening for customs and traditions to intermingle. This period was noted for diverse and novel dressing styles, innovative food, and new forms of entertainment like polo. Costumes, make-up, food, and music of the hu people (a collective term referring to northern and western ethnic groups) gained considerable popularity. Horseback riding became fashionable for women.
Pottery Figure with Longguan High Hat
Sui Dynasty (581–618 AD)
Painted Pottery Figures in Military Uniform and Armour
Tang Dynasty, 1st year of Linde Era (664 AD)
Sancai-glazed Pottery Civil Official
Tang Dynasty, 11th year of Kaiyuan Era (723AD)
Sancai-glazed Pottery Warrior
Wuzhou Period, 1st year of Shengong Era (697AD)
Sancai-glazed Pottery Groom in Foreigner’s Clothes
Sancai-glazed Pottery Groom in Foreigner’s Clothes
Pottery Female in Men’s Clothes
Tang Dynasty, 28th year of Kaiyuan Era (740 AD)
Gilded Silver Hairpins
Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)
Gilded Silver Censer with Openwork
Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)
Celadon Case with Seven-children Design
Ten Kingdoms, Wuyue (893-978AD)
Jiaozi (dumplings) and Delicacies in Food Containers
Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)
Melon-shaped Celadon Ewer, Yue Ware
Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)
Silver Stem Cup with Hunting Design
Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)
White-glazed Porcelain Tea Set and the Saint of Tea
Five Dynasties (907–960 AD)
Gilded Silver Tea Saucers
Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)
Jade Cup with Gold Rim
Sui Dynasty, 4th year of Daye Era (608 AD)
Celadon Bowl with Carved Lotus-petal Design
Ten Kingdoms, Wuyue (893-978AD)
Sancai-glazed Pottery Female Seated on Stool
Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)
Bluish-white-glazed Porcelain Ox Cart
Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)
Blue-glazed Pottery Donkey
Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)
Green Glass Bottle
Sui Dynasty, 4th year of Daye Era (608AD)
White-glazed Porcelain Inkstone
Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)
White-glazed Porcelain Pillow
Wu Kingdom, 5th year of Dahe Era (933 AD)
Silver Medicine Box
Tang Dynasty (618-907AD)
Pottery Musician Ensemble
Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)
Pottery Dancers
Southern Tang Kingdom, 1st year of Baoda Era (943 AD)
Painted Pottery Female Polo Players on Horsebacks
Tang Dynasty, 2nd year of Shenlong Era (706 AD)
Sancai-glazed Pottery Hunter on Horseback
Tang Dynasty, 2nd year of Shenlong Era (706 AD)

  • Pottery Male Figure in Everyday Clothes
    Pottery Male Figure in Everyday Clothes

  • Sancai-glazed Pottery Female Attendant
    Tang Dynasty, 11th year of Kaiyuan Era (723 AD)

  • Painted Pottery Female on Horseback in Veiled Hat
    Tang Dynasty, 2nd year of Xianqing Era (657 AD)

  • Blue-glazed Pottery Female in Foreigner’s Clothes
    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Blue-glazed Pottery Female with High Chignon
    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Court Ladies with Flowers in Their Hair (replica)
    By Zhou Fang (dates unknown), Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Gold Butterfly-shaped Hair Ornament Inlaid with Pearls and Gemstones
    Sui Dynasty, 4th year of Daye Era (608 AD)

  • Silver Cosmetic Box with Incised Design
    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Celadon Cosmetic Box with Seven Children Design
    Wuyue Kingdom (893–978 AD)

  • Gilded Bronze Mirror Inlaid with Glass
    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Brocade Sleeve with Paired Birds Design
    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Brocade Cuff with Bird and Flower Design
    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Gold Ornamental Plaques Inlaid with Gemstones
    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Gold Ornamental Plaque Inlaid with Turquoise

    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)
  • Hemp Shoes

    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Pottery Millstone, Roller, Grain Huller, and Wellhead
    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Gilded Silver Bowl with Paired Fish Design
    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Silver Stem Cup with Bird and Flower Design
    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Gilded Silver Bowl with Bird and Flower Design
    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Bluish-white-glazed Porcelain Tea Cup with Saucer
    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • The Night Revels of Han Xizai (replica)
    By Gu Hongzhong (c. 910–980 AD), Southern Tang Kingdom

  • Pottery Female on Horseback
    Sui Dynasty (581–618 AD)

  • White-glazed Porcelain Lamp with Lotus Pedestal
    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • White-glazed Porcelain Spittoon
    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Green-glazed Pottery Male Figures
    Tang Dynasty, 11th year of Kaiyuan Era (723 AD)

  • Silver Jiuling Sticks and Holder (replicas)

    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Polo Playing (replica)
    After mural painting unearthed from Tang tomb of Prince Zhanghuai at Qianxian, Shaanxi Province, 1972

IV. Culture



During the Sui, Tang, and the Five Dynasties there were outstanding achievements in literature, art, science, and technology. Masterpieces of calligraphy, painting, sculpture, and Tang poetry reflect the artistic splendours of that time; the fusion of music and dance with foreign elements added to such splendour. Important progress was made in architecture, astronomy, the calendar, geography, historiography, medicine, and papermaking as well as one of China’s most significant scientific and technological inventions—block-printing. Buddhism and Daoism flourished in this period and had a profound impact on contemporary thought and culture.
Mural Painting with Female Dancer in Red Dress
Tang Dynasty, 3rd year of Xianqing Era (658 AD)
Sancai-glazed Pottery Horse
Tang Dynasty, 11th year of Kaiyuan Era (723 AD)
Sancai-glazed Pottery Female Figure
Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Pi Pa Xing (Song of the Pipa) in Running Script
    Poem by Bai Juyi (772–846 AD), Tang Dynasty

  • Quan Tang Shi (Complete Tang Poems) (partial)
    Compiled by Peng Dingqiu (1645–1719) et al, Qing Dynasty, Kangxi Era

  • Jiucheng Palace Stele (rubbing)
    Calligraphy by Ouyang Xun (557–641 AD), Tang Dynasty, 632 AD

  • Calligraphy by Ouyang Xun (557–641 AD), Tang Dynasty, 632 AD
    Calligraphy by Yan Zhenqing (709–785 AD), Tang Dynasty, 752 AD

  • Xuanmi Pagoda Stele (rubbing)
    Calligraphy by Liu Gongquan (778–865 AD), Tang Dynasty, 841 AD

  • Zi Xu Tie (Autobiographical Essay) (replica)
    Calligraphy by Huaisu (725–785 AD), Tang Dynasty, 777 AD

  • Five Oxen (modern printed copy)
    By Han Huang (723–787 AD), Tang Dynasty

  • The Rivers Xiao and Xiang (modern printed copy)
    By Dong Yuan (?–962 AD), Five Dynasties

  • Mural Painting with Female Playing Bamboo Panpipe
    Tang Dynasty, 1st year of Zongzhang Era (668 AD)

  • Painted Clay AttendantBodhisattva
    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Sancai-glazed Pottery Foreigner on Camelback
    Tang Dynasty, 11th year of Kaiyuan Era (723 AD)

  • Sancai-glazed Pottery Horse
    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Pottery Female Figure
    Tang Dynasty, 28th year of Kaiyuan Era (740 AD)

  • Stone Warriors Traced with Gold
    Tang Dynasty, 28th year of Kaiyuan Era (740 AD)

  • Gilded Bronze Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva
    Wuyue Kingdom (893–978 AD)

  • Stone Balustrade Panel from Anji Bridge
    Sui Dynasty (581–618 AD)

  • Main Hall at Nanchan Temple (model)
    Model by Beijing Antiquity Classification Commission, 1954

  • Main Hall at Foguang Temple (model)
    Model by Beijing Antiquity Classification Commission, 1954

  • Dharani Mantra
    Block-printed edition, Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

V. Ethnic Cultures



During the Sui and Tang Dynasties, ethnic peoples in the frontier areas established independent regimes, including the Turks and Uighurs (Huihe, later called Huihu) in the north, the Tubo and Nanzhao in the southwest, and the Bohai in the northeast. As a result of the open ethnic policy adopted by the Sui and Tang rulers, interaction between different peoples was far greater than before. Frontier peoples learned from the economic and cultural achievements of the Han people and at the same time became an important influence contributing to Han lifestyle and culture. Despite occasional conflicts, ethnic integration continued to strengthen the unified China as a multi-ethnic country.

  • Stone Turkic Man
    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Manichaean Document in Uighur Script
    9th–11th centuries AD

  • Emperor Taizong Receiving the Tibetan Envoy (replica)
    By Yan Liben (c. 601–673 AD), Tang Dynasty

  • Tang-Tubo Alliance Stele (rubbing)

  • Brick Fragment Inscribed with Characters “Shangjing”
    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Flat Tile Inscribed with Character “Bao”
    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Square Brick with Peony Design
    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Glazed Head of Mythical Beast
    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Stone Inscription with Yuan Zi’s Remarks at Dousha Pass (rubbing)
    Original on cliffs at Doushaguan, Yanjin, Yunnan Province

  • Inscribed Tile
    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Drip Tile
    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Roof Tile-end with Lotus Design
    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Brick with Floral Design
    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

VI. Chang’an and the Extended Silk Road



Chang’an (present-day Xi’an), capital of the Sui and Tang Dynasties, was a magnificent city that embodied the glories of the Tang Empire. It was also an international metropolis, a major starting point of the Silk Road, and a centre that connected cultures and trade travelling east and west. The Silk Road trade peaked in the Sui and Tang along with unprecedented increase in the scale of maritime traffic. Chinese culture spread throughout Asia and beyond to Europe and Africa and was also enriched by actively embracing foreign cultures.

  • Mural Painting of Watch Towers (replica)

  • Square Bricks with Lotus Design
    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Iron Sluice Gate from Sewer System
    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Stone with Inscription Dedicating a Polo Field
    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Roof Tile-ends with Lotus Design
    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Xingqing Palace Plan Stele (rubbing)
    Stele by Lü Dafang, Northern Song Dynasty, 3rd year of Yuanfeng Era (1080)

  • Visiting Envoys (replica)

  • Painted Pottery Camel Carrying Goods
    Tang Dynasty, 17th year of Zhenguan Era (643 AD)

  • Sancai-glazed Pottery Foreigner
    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Yellow-glazed Pottery Foreigner
    Tang Dynasty, 11th year of Kaiyuan Era (723 AD)

  • Pottery Foreigner on Camelback
    Tang Dynasty, 1st year of Tiaolu Era (679 AD)

  • Pottery Foreign Traveller
    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Pottery Foreigner with Pot
    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Pottery Kunlun Figure
    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Brocade with Bird in Peal Roundel
    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Brocade with Deer in Pearl Roundel
    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Gold Necklace Inlaid with Pearls and Gemstones
    Sui Dynasty, 4th year of Daye Era (608 AD)

  • Gold Bracelets Inlaid with Pearls and Gemstones
    Sui Dynasty, 4th year of Daye Era (608 AD)

  • Gold Stem Cup
    Sui Dynasty, 4th year of Daye Era (608 AD)

  • Silver Bowl with Deer Design
    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Silver Cup with Ring Handle
    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Nestorianism Spread in China Stele (rubbing)

  • Mi Jifen’s Epitaph (rubbing)

  • Epitaph Written on Brick
    Tang Dynasty, 1st year of Linde Era (664 AD)

  • Stamped Brick with Foreigner and Camel
    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Tang Manuscript ofthe Mahaprajna-paramita Sutra
    Translated by Xuanzang (600–664 AD), Tang Dynasty

  • Stone Pedestal for Buddhist Sculpture Inscribed with Xuanzang’s Name
    Tang Dynasty, 2nd year of Longshuo Era (662 AD)

  • Travel Pass (modern printed copy)
    After Japanese printed copy

  • Bronze Mirror with Auspicious Animal and Grape Design
    Zhou Dynasty, 1st year of Shengong Era (697 AD)

  • “Wado Kaichin” Silver Coin
    Japan, 1st year of Wado Era (708 AD)

  • Gui Yuan Bi Geng Ji (Collected Writings at Guiyuan) (replica)
    By Choe Chiwon (857–? AD), Silla

  • Celadon Ewer with Phoenix Head
    Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)

  • Peacock-blue-glazed Pottery Vase with Three Lugs
    Min Kingdom (893–945 AD)

  • Byzantine Gold Coin
    Reign of Justin II (565–578 AD)

  • Sasanian Silver Coin
    Sasanian Dynasty, Reign of Khosrow II (590–628 AD)

  • Arabian Gold Coin (replica)
    Umayyad Dynasty (661–750 AD)

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