Brick carving is a traditional folk art that was used to decorate architecture and adorn tombs. Excavations in recent decades have uncovered unique and theatrically themed brick carvings from Shanxi province, revealing a passion for theater and opera in this region during the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234).

The tombs of Shanxi, adorned with beautiful, intricate brick carvings and other decor, illustrate two kinds of popular entertainment: zaju, formal performances of written plays and sanqu, performances related to village festivals.

Theater, Life, and the Afterlife: Tomb Decor from Ancient Shanxi, 10th through 13th Centuries, will bring to life the intersection of the brick carving and theater traditions.

This exhibition will feature an entirely reconstructed tomb that will offer visitors a window into the ways ancient art patrons transferred the artistic joys of life into the afterlife.

Date: Feb 9-June 17

Venue: China Institute, New York

Website: www.chinainstitute.org

(China Daily 01/06/2012 page23)