![]() Meanwhile the influence of maritime trade, which created a route into China for spices, gemstones, glasswork and metalwork from South and Southeast Asia, is exemplified in animals carved from orange-hued carnelian and necklaces made from amethyst, aquamarine, beryl and rock crystal. ![]() The impact of nearby Persian and Hellenistic kingdoms comes through in towering stone sculptures featuring a crouching lion – a creature not native to China – and fluted columns adorned with dragons. Also featured is an array of tomb figurines, which took the place of living attendants to forever serve those who had passed. The precious stone was chosen to signify purification of the body and protection from corruption. A highlight is a lavish burial suit built for a Han princess comprising more than 2,000 pieces of jade. Intricate lacquer ware, colourful and luxurious silk textiles and adorned musical instruments exemplify the opulent Han lifestyle, while similarly extravagant items were buried with them for the afterlife. ![]() A two-part section on the Han dynasty reveals the wealth experienced by society's elite, and later the outside influences that crept into the culture of this sprawling civilisation. ![]()
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