Members from our Club and friends eagerly gathered at the entrance of the Asian Art Museum. Our anticipation was palpable as we awaited our journey through the Phoenix Kingdoms exhibit. Led by knowledgeable docent Peggy Mathers, we embarked on a voyage through time to explore the artistic and spiritual wonders of the multistate Zhou dynasty. Peggy shared her contagious enthusiasm during this exhibit and painted vivid pictures of ancient rituals and cultural traditions as we wandered through the exhibit adorned with artifacts from over 2,000 years ago. Each artifact seemed to tell a story of emperors or warriors and the intricate tapestry of life in the Zhou dynasty.
Throughout the tour, we marveled at the delicate craftsmanship of bronze vessels and the serene beauty of jade carvings, and couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and reverence for the ancient civilization that once flourished in the Phoenix Kingdoms. These artifacts were preserved by the encasement of wood, sans oxygen, which allowed these treasures to emerge unscathed. One such example was the preserved lacquered box adorned with luscious, vibrant colors and painted with people on its exterior - the only such artifact in this exhibit that was found with people on it.
However, underlying the splendor of the artifacts was the shadow of Qin Shi Huang, the legendary first Emperor of China, whose conquests had brought an end to the Zhou dynasty. His legacy, immortalized in the Terracotta Warriors, served as a reminder of the impermanence of power and the cyclical nature of history.
As the tour came to an end, we left the Asian Art Museum with a newfound appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of the Phoenix Kingdoms and a deeper understanding of the complexities of ancient Chinese history. We entered another room in the Museum and enjoyed a catered Asian dinner accompanied by a delicious assortment of wines and beverages. Alisha Marfatia, our Club's Social Event Chair, ensured that every detail of the visit was flawlessly executed. From event planning to coordinating the schedules to arranging the wine and dinner meal, she made sure that Club members and friends could immerse themselves fully in the experience without any worry.


Group Photo: Brenda Brayshayko, David Dye, Dora Dye, Caitlyn Eller, Dan Joraanstad, Frank Yoke, Bob Hermann, John Hoch, Elissa Hoch, Carrie Schucker, Bill Gregory, Michael Brayshayko, Yana Sharma, and Peggy Mathers