HAN ART AND MATERIAL CULTURE
HIST241 2.4.2
Han Art and Material CulturePrincipal Materials Bronze Ceramics – glazed and gray (unglazed) Jade Lacquerware Wood Stone Paint
Han Bronzes
Ceramics
Technology Technology was already very advanced (e.g.,
high heat kilns). Pottery wheels became more widely used. Glazes further developed.
Design Relief Paint Glaze Sculpture
Clockwise from the left: painted ceramic pot; close up of relief detail of dragon and phoenix on first pot; painted earthenware tripod pot
Ceramic Pots
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Celadon pot with mountain-shaped lid and animal designs
Ceramic Pots
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Western Han painted pots decorated with acrobats
Ceramic Pots
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Left: A footed Western Han white ceramic wine warmer with animal-head figurines decorating its lid
Right: A Western Han glazed pottery ding with taotie-faced with door-knocker design
Ceramic Pots
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Left: painted sculptures
Right: Western Han tomb statuette of cavalryman and horse
Ceramic Figurines
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Left: laughing woman
Right: Western Han tomb figurines of servants
Ceramic Figurines
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Left: Eastern Han green-glazed pottery dog
Right: Eastern Han candelabra decorated with animal figurines
Ceramic animal figurines
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Funerary Art
Tombs of the elite Vaults of brick or stone Often had multiple rooms Elaborately decorated
Grave goods, or items buried with the dead) Items used by the deceased during his/her lifetime Items created specifically for interment, often in
miniature
Tombs and grave goods replicated the world of the living for the dead.
Textiles
Jade Burial Suits
Jade and Lacquerware
Jade Luxury material, only used by the elite Used mainly for ceremonial goods and
accessories
Lacquerware Also used only by the elite Used for both decorative and everyday
items
Jade
Lacquerware
Lacquerware
Architecture
Building Materials Mostly wood and rammed earth Some brick and stone Ceramic roof tiles
Because most buildings were made of wood, there are few remnants of Han dynasty architecture. Much of what we know is based on tomb miniatures, which appear to be replicas of real buildings.
Stone pillar
Tomb model
Han dynasty pottery palace
Tower architecture