For generations Chinese historiography has relied on the study of artifacts collected during archaeological digs. Antiquarians and historians in China have revealed aspects of the culture and life of ancient societies by interpreting designs and determining the uses of these objects. Through the study of the Rowe Collection, which includes archaic pottery, rare ritual bronzes, remarkable jade carving, fine porcelain and menacing ceramic tomb figures, the complicated history of China begins to unfold.

The exhibit contains selected objects from the Rowe Collection of Chinese artifacts, one of the six collections of art at Longwood University.  Dr. and Mrs. Henry C. Rowe (Bernice Beazley, LU ’70) of Gloucester, Virginia, have given these objects from their personal collection to enhance the academic experience for Longwood students and the surrounding community.

Several characteristics make this collection unique. First is the broad span of time from which the pieces date: as early as the Neolithic period, and as modern as the twentieth century. Nearly every dynasty is represented, with gaps existing only when historical circumstances dictate the scarcity of available artifacts. Second is the extreme rarity of many of the objects, of which some may not even have an equally rare counterpart in any other Western museum.

Click here to visit the Rowe Collection of Chinese Art Virtual Gallery