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Ninth Century Tang Archaeological Finds Go on Display at Integrated Resort Marina Bay Sands' Latest Architectural Showpiece

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Ninth Century Tang Archaeological Finds Go on Display at Integrated Resort Marina Bay Sands' Latest Architectural Showpiece Jan 15, 2011 15:11 +08 Ninth century Tang archaeological finds go on display at Integrated Resort Marina Bay Sands' latest architectural showpiece Come 19 February 2011, one of the oldest and most important marine archaeological finds of the late 20th century will be unveiled to the public when the much-anticipated Shipwrecked: Tang Treasures and Monsoon Winds exhibition opens in Singapore, at the ArtScienceMuseum at Marina Bay Sands. Theexhibition is jointly organised by the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, the AsianCivilisationsMuseum, National Heritage Board (NHB), Singapore and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB). Shipwrecked relates the story of an astonishing cargo of some 60,000 objects carried from China by a ninth-century Arab dhow, presenting a dynamic tale of trade between China and West Asia along the maritime silk route.The cargo had lain undisturbed on the ocean floor for more than 1,000 years before its discovery near Indonesia's BelitungIslandin 1998. Many surprises were yielded upon recovery, ranging from huge numbers of mass-produced ceramics to exceptional items, such as the earliest complete examples of Chinese blue-and-white dishes and intricate items of finely worked gold. The exhibition features hundreds of highlights from this remarkable find, considered to be the largest quantity of Chinese trade goods and luxuries from Tang Dynasty China ever discovered.Among the many dramatic objects on display is an extraordinary tall ewer measuring over a metre in height, with a dragon-head stopper. Exquisite gold and silver wares were also found on the Belitung shipwreck, including a gold octagonal cup decorated with figures of Central Asian musicians and a dancer.The cup is the largest and heaviest Chinese example of its kind, upstaging even pieces known to have been given by the Tang imperial family to the FamenTemple in the capital of Xi’an. The rare and precious nature of the cup raises many intriguing questions about why the object was on board the ship and who might have owned it.The exhibition also illustrates the human stories of the ship's crew, whose few surviving belongings provide clues to their multi-ethnic identities. With this exhibition, Singaporeans and visitors now have a wonderful opportunity to view and appreciate this tremendous find.It tells a story that is strongly linked to that of our own – the blossoming of a city from a fishing village into a modern thriving metropolis due to its strategic location in the global trade network. “This milestone exhibition is a testament of how history and heritage can transcend boundaries and encourage greater cross-cultural understanding,” said Mr. Michael Koh, Chief Executive Officer of NHB.“Our Asian CivilisationsMuseum has been working closely with the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery and STB on developing the project’s themes, selecting artefacts, as well as designing and installing the exhibition.These collaborations have been most enriching and rewarding, resulting in the fruitful exchange of ideas and expertise.” “This exhibition will change the way we visualize the contacts between East and West more than a millennium ago. It brings alive the tale of Sinbad sailing to make his fortune in the China trade,” said Mr. Julian Raby, Director of the Smithsonian’s Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler galleries. Equally elated with this collaboration is Ms. Aw Kah Peng, Chief Executive of STB, “As a vibrant multi-dimensional tourist destination, we have always embraced our unique cosmopolitan diversity and heritage, as evident in the many ethnic festivals celebrated, the diverse cuisines enjoyed, and attractions such as museums and ethnic precincts. This collection thus has a special meaning for Singaporebecause it paints a different and deeper historical perspective of our island-nation and accentuates the link between the city- state that exists today and the rich historical narrative of the past.” Mr. George Tanasijevich, interim Chief Executive Officer of Marina Bay Sands and Managing Director of Global Development for Las Vegas Sands Corp, said, “The ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands is Singapore’s new cultural symbol and the premier venue for major international touring exhibitions from the most renowned collections in the world.As one of our three opening marquee shows, Shipwrecked: Tang Treasures and Monsoon Winds is the perfect complement to Travelling the Silk Road: Ancient Pathway to the Modern World, curated by the American Museum of Natural History.Visitors will have the rare opportunity to enjoy two blockbuster shows about the overland and maritime Silk Road at the same time.” Shipwrecked in Singaporeis also the first stop in a world tour that is expected to conclude in 2015. Plans for a permanent display in Singaporeare in development. The cargo, known as the "Tang Shipwreck Treasure: Singapore's Maritime Collection", was purchased by Sentosa Leisure Group with the kind and generous support of the estate of Tan Sri Khoo Teck Puat shortly after its discovery.However, it has never been publicly displayed on such a large scale. The exhibition has also received support from world tour supporting sponsors Clay Maitland, Keppel Corporation, PSA International Pte Ltd and Temasek Holdings (Private) Limited. The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is a leading economic development agency in tourism, one of Singapore’s key service sectors. Known for partnership, innovation and excellence, STB champions tourism, making it a key economic driver for Singapore. The STB aims to differentiate and market Singapore as a must-visit destination offering a concentration of user-centric and enriching experiences through the “YourSingapore” brand..
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