This exhibition celebrated one of the major archaeological discoveries of the twentieth century: the mausoleum of Qin Shihuangdi. In 221 BC, Qin established China with an absolute regime of warfare, philosophy and culture. He unified the language and commissioned Small Seal Script, which remains the recognisable foundation of modern Chinese script.
Our graphic scheme reflects that rigour rather than the exoticism which permeates conventional views of ancient China. It was the first exhibition to be held in the museum’s listed Reading Room.
