During the past five decades archaeologists have excavated an abundance of artifacts at several sites throughout China. Historians have learned more than ever about the burial customs, religious practices and rituals of daily life in ancient Chinese civilizations. Masterpieces in jade, stone, ivory and bronze are among the objects discovered recently.

To commemorate these archaeological finds, the U.S. National Gallery of Art has compiled a exhibition and companion catalog of photographs titled, "The Golden Age of Chinese Archaeology: Celebrated Discoveries from The People's Republic of China." The exhibition opens at the National Gallery of Art in Washington on September 19 and runs through January 2, 2000.

In the following gallery, we present a sampling of images from the collection. Start your journey through the jewels of China's ancient past by clicking on the button below.