
The image is a photograph of a sign that reads "SUI-TANG TO LIAO-JIN PERIODS (AD 581-1234)". The sign is written in black text on a white background and is mounted on a wooden frame. The text is in Chinese and translates to "This is the flourishing stage in the developmental course of ancient Chinese jades. The jade culture of Sui and Tang times was influenced by foreign cultures and so added with new color. That of the Five Dynasties, Song, Liao and Jin periods followed and developed the artistic style of Su-Tang times, and exhibited features of the new age. In the Song dynasty, Jade working was under influence from mature landscape painting, which brought about panoramic jade carvings of human activity scenes and landscape. In Liu and Jin period, workers absorbed the form and techniques of Song jades as well as maintained their own national characteristics."
