JUN 2015

VOLUME 46 - NUMBER 5

As we complete production of this issue, news has reached us of a second major earthquake in Nepal, following the initial quake on 25 April. Our thoughts are with the people of Nepal as they struggle to come to terms with the loss of loved ones and priceless cultural heritage. Dina Bangdel writes to Orientations readers from a personal perspective on the first of these devastating events (pp. 88–90).

In the first of our archaeology-themed articles in this issue, Jessica Rawson poses questions related to elite concepts of combat in early dynastic China. Liu Yang centres his discussion on lacquerware from two tombs of the Chu state, showing how many shapes were derived from bronze counterparts. Tianlong Jiao, meanwhile, focuses on ceramics from shipwrecks found off the Chinese coast, reflecting changes in style and developments at major kilns from the 12th century to the 17th century.

Also on a maritime theme, Russell Kelty introduces a new exhibition at the Art Gallery of South Australia that examines art forms integrating European and Asian motifs. Coinciding with an international conference on Nestorianism taking place in Hong Kong, Florian Knothe introduces the Hong Kong University collection of Nestorian crosses, while Lauren Arnold explores the possible religious symbolism contained within a series of scrolls as evidence of intercultural exchange during the late Song.

FEATURES
Jessica Rawson. China and the Steppe: Arms, Armour and Ornaments
Liu Yang. Emblems of Auspice: 4th Century BCE Lacquers from Jiuliandun
Tianlong Jiao. Export Ceramics on Ancient Chinese Shipwrecks
Russell Kelty. Treasure Ships: Art in the Age of Spices
Florian Knothe. Chinese Bronze Crosses: A Jingjiao Phenomenon of the Middle Ages
Lauren Arnold. Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute: Nestorian Symbolism in a Late Song Scroll
PREVIEWS & REVIEWS
Diana Darling. Book Review: Lempad: A Timeless Balinese Master & Lempad of Bali: The Illuminating Line
Margaret Tao. Asia Week New York Auctions—Spring 2015
COMMENTARY
Dina Bangdel. Nepal Earthquake: Rebuilding Hope, Rebuilding a Nation