2009, a small piece of animal bone was found at a Paleolithic site in Xuchang, Henan province. The easily-overlooked object turned out to be a vital discovery of archaeology — a bird sculpture in testimony to the workmanship of people living some 13,500 years ago.

Later named after the relic site it was discovered in, the Lingjing Bird celebrates the imagination, creativity and patience that the humans have invested in to make their minds smart and hands dexterous.

This long course is paid tribute to at the ongoing A Short History of Sculpture: Time Deposits, running at the Wind H Art Center in Beijing until Sept 14. Curated by Zhang Yingying, it brings together sculptures and installations by contemporary artists which takes the audience on a journey through time to experience the beauty of art and wisdom.