Excavated in the early 1970s, the Mawangdui tombs represent one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. This talk will introduce the latest scientific techniques that are being used to study the textiles, manuscripts, and paintings from the tombs, including X-rays that have uncovered traces of underdrawing and decorative patterns, raman spectroscopy that has identified new pigments, and lab testing that has revealed previously unreadable text. Fifty years after the excavations, these technological innovations continue to break new ground, transforming our understanding of one of China’s greatest dynasties.

Liu Qi works at the Research and Exhibition Center of the Mawangdui Han Tombs, Hunan Museum, as well as at the Hunan Key Laboratory of Archaeometry and Conservation Science where he serves as the Academic Secretary. He is currently a visiting Scholar at the National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.