Picturing Migration on the Silk Road: Sarcophagi of Sogdian Leaders in 6th-Century China

Focusing on a group of sarcophagi created in the 6th century for Sogdian leaders in the Chinese heartland, this talk shows how art was used to address experiences of migration on the Silk Road.   

As part of the 2020-21 EASC Guest Speaker Series, USC Professor and EASC Director, Sonya Lee has invited Jin Xu, Assistant Professor of Art History and Asian Studies at Vassar College, to give a lecture on funerary art and architecture related to the Sogdians who lived in China during the sixth century. This lecture will tie in with Prof. Lee's AHIS 125: Arts of Asia course.

Sogdians arriving in China from Central Asia formed one of the most prominent immigrant communities in Chinese history. Focusing on a group of sarcophagi created in the 6th century for Sogdian leaders in the Chinese heartland, this talk shows how art was used to address experiences of migration on the Silk Road.    

This event is open to the wider community. Please register to receive the Zoom Meeting link.

Speaker Bios:

Jin Xu
Assistant Professor of Art History and Asian Studies, Vassar College

Sonya Lee
Associate Professor of Art History, Religion and EALC
Director of East Asian Studies Center