Build Background Knowledge
- Encyclopedia Britannica This link opens in a new windowIn the Academic version of EB there are good introductions to each Dynasty that includes history and cultural achievements. Start here to get a basic understanding.
The Cambridge Illustrated History of China by First 10 chapters of the book are available here.
Chronologies and essays
- Heilbrunn Timeline of Art HistoryThe Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York has an extensive set of essays, timelines, and images on their site related to the various dynasties. You can search the whole site or refer to links below. These essays may help you contextualize the artifacts you find at the Asian Art Museum.
Han Dynasty (206 B.C.–220 A.D.)
Tang Dynasty (618-907)
Song Dynasty (960-1279)
- Northern Song Dynasty main essay (960-1127)
- Northern Song Dynasty homepage
- Southern Song Dynasty main essay (1127-1279)
- Southern Song Dynasty homepage
Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368)
Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)
Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)
Silk Road (University of Washington)
Song China (Columbia University)
Qing China (Columbia University)
Religion: Living in the Chinese Cosmos (Understanding Religion in Late-Imperial China (1644-1911)
Investigate Museum Resources
- Asian Art Museum Online CollectionThis will take you to the advanced search page for the Asian Art Museum's online collections. From this page you can search by dynasty. You can also search for items that are on display--this feature is inconsistent so beware. Take down the information for a few items to look for during the museum visit.
- Asian Art Museum OnlineMain website for the Asian Art Museum
Look deeper
- EBSCO Books This link opens in a new windowSearch your dynasty and see what comes up. This is probably better for when you are doing more in-depth research. A quick initial search could be useful to give you ideas before you settle on a topic.
- Oxford Research Encyclopedia: Asian HistoryThese articles are longer and more in-depth on specific subjects. Try searching your dynasty and see what comes up. There could be inspiration for your research question.
- SFPLYou can see what books are at the main library, your local branch and you can request books to be sent to your local branch or the Presidio Branch on Sacramento Street.