Han Material Culture: An Archaeological Analysis and Vessel Typology

Author: 
Sophia-Karin Psarras

Publication Year:: 
2015

Publisher:
Cambridge University Press

Abstract:

Han Material Culture is an analysis of Han dynasty (206 BC–AD 220) Chinese archaeology based on a comparison of the forms of vessels found in positively dated tombs. The resultant chronological framework allows for the cross dating of tombs across China, of which approximately one thousand are documented here. In the context of this body of data, the development of not only vessel types but also tomb structure and decor is reevaluated, together with the pervasive intercultural exchange visible in all areas of this material. The Han dynasty emerges as a creative, surprisingly open society, heir to the Bronze Age and herald of what might be called the Age of Ceramics.

Table of Contents:

List of Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page vi
List of Figures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
List of Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ix
Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xi
Abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiii
Han Emperors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xv

1 Problems of Chronology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Methodological Problems ................ 1
Positive Dates . . . ................... 3
Coinage ........................ 11

2 The Tombs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Guangzhou (Guangdong), Yinshanling (Pingle, Guangxi),
Shixing (Guangdong) ................. 27
Shangsunjiazhai (Datong, Qinghai) .......... 31

3 Tomb Décor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
The Problem of Meaning ............... 34
Décor as Product . .................. 51

4 Vessels in the Typologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Preimperial Bronzes as Heirlooms ........... 87
Mancheng M2:4028 .................. 87
Mancheng M2:4029 .................. 89
Nanyue C53 ...................... 90
Sanlidun (Lianshui, Jiangsu) Bronzes ......... 91
Hejiayuan (Wuhu Municipality, Anhui) Bronzes . . . 93
Hejiayuan M1:5 ................... 93
Hejiayuan M1:4 ................... 94
Hejiayuan M1:3 ................... 95
Imitation of Preimperial Bronzes ........... 96
Mancheng M1:5019 ................. 96
Mancheng M1:5014 ................. 97
Mancheng M1:5015, 5018 .............. 98
Mancheng M1:4282 (series) . ............ 99
Nanyue G40 .................... 101
Nanyue G41 .....................101

5 Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .104

Chronological Listing of Dated Han Sites . . . . . . . . 109
Alphabetical Listing of Dated Han Sites . . . . . . . . . 169
Alphabetical Listing of Dated Non-Chinese Sites . . . . . 177
Object Typologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Chronological Summary of Vessel Forms . . . . . . . . 281

Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
References for Dated Sites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337