Art from the Han Dynasty through the Qing Dynasty, nearly two millennia, tells this story of trade. This art reflects the movement of ideas, raw materials, and techniques across cultures.

Han Dynasty (206 B.C.E. – 220 C.E.) artisans celebrated the horse. Acquiring larger and stronger horses from the Central Asian kingdom of Fergana was a major event in Han history. This new horse not only gave the Han military advantage over their neighbors, it also made possible, for the first time, long distance trade missions. This trade brought great wealth to the Han people. Figurines of horses included in the tombs of Han elite likely represented both prestige and wealth.

Tang Dynasty (618-907) citizens were intrigued by the mix of cultures and ideas that came across the Silk Road. In the Tang capitol of Chang’an (today’s Xi’an), Turkish-style music and dance entertained both commoners and the imperial family. Another Central Asian import, grape wine, surpassed traditional rice wine in popularity. Tang artisans, influenced by fine Sassanian (early Persia) metalwork imported into China, developed their own metalworks industry. They made silver cups and plates decorated with images, such as the lion and grapevine, borrowed from Sassanian originals.

As Chinese learned metalworking techniques from the Persians, Persian artisans strove to imitate Chinese ceramics. Chinese led the world in developing ceramic techniques, particularly glazing colors, textures and styles. By the Song Dynasty (960-1279), ceramics craftsmanship reached a level of perfection of form and design envied by other cultures. The raised flower design and dramatic black glaze of this Chinese jar, influenced the later production of this Persian plate.

In the Yuan Dynasty (1272-1368), Mongols took to the sea with vessels laden with Chinese silks, ceramics and other goods, bound for ports in Southeast Asia, India and the Middle East. There was great demand for the elegant and durable Chinese porcelain, which was invented in China in the 8th century. Rather than export Chinese styles to foreign peoples, Mongols began the practice of making goods to meet foreign taste and use. For example, many Central Asian cultures share communal meals with food presented on large platters. Chinese made and exported these platters and continued the practice of producing goods made to order.