ZHAO Junjie....................................................................66 

On cemetery zones of the southern Wangyukou Cemetery, Yinxu 

Abstract：The study of cemetery organization involves a comprehensive analysis of the cemetery's spatial, temporal, and cultural characteristics, playing a crucial role in burial research. This paper focuses on the southern area of Wangyukou in Yinxu and utilizes excavated materials to provide an in-depth examination of cemetery zoning. The zoning is primarily based on burial orientation, burial combinations, spatial distribution, and changes over time. By considering these factors, the cemetery can be divided into five districts and nine groups. The usage of the cemetery can be traced back to the initial phase of Yinxu, experienced early development in the second phase, reached its pinnacle during the third phase, and gradually declined in the fourth phase. The majority of tomb owners were commoners, although there were also a few small to medium-sized nobles. Additionally, one of the cemetery zones may have served as a family burial ground for the diviners.

PENG Junchao and YUAN Junjie..............................75 

On the Taerpo Qin State Cemetery Structure and ethnic group 

Abstract：The Taerpo Qin State Cemetery started during the late Warring States period and continued through the Qin Dynasty. It served as the final resting place for multiple branches of the Qin ethnic group, their families, and immigrants. The arrangement of burials within the cemetery reflects the geographical burial structure and social organization of the Qin people, where individuals, individual families, or small families from different ethnic groups and immigrants were interred together in the same area. The formation of this cemetery’s geopolitical structure can be attributed to the Shiwu system and household analysis policy implemented by the Qin State. Rulers strategically dispersed individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds into various townships and regional organizations. Consequently, members of the same clans lived and were buried in different locations. This deliberate dispersion aimed to dilute blood relationships and weaken clan power, aligning with the significant societal changes that occurred in Qin society during the middle of the Warring States period.

ZHANG Zhao..................................................................82 

On the pillar hole remains in the high-grade tombs of the Western Han Dynasty 

Abstract：There are many types of pillar hole remains in the high-grade tombs of the Western Han period, which can be divided into the remains of temporary buildings before burial, the remains of temporary buildings at the time of burial, the remains of burial facilities, the remains of engineering structures for the construction of tomb passages, and the remains of temple-like building elements in the mausoleums, and so on. Among them, the remains of temporary buildings at the time of burial can be divided into temporary buildings covering the entire tomb and temporary buildings covering only part of the tomb passage. According to the analysis, the temporary building covering the part of the tomb passage is consistent with the stone masonry culvert-type building in the outer tomb passage of the horizontal cave-shaped tomb. Combined with the identity of the tomb owner, there is a regularity in the use of this type of building in the tomb passage. It can be inferred that the use of this type of building should be regarded as a hierarchical manifestation of the funerary practices of high-ranking groups during the Western Han period.

DUAN Di and FANG Hui.............................................93 

On the Chines Stone from prehistory to the Shang Dynasty 

Abstract：This article provides a classification of chime stones based on their arrangement and combination, spanning from prehistory to the Shang Dynasty. The classification identifies two distinct stages: prehistory to the Middle Shang Dynasty, and the late Shang Dynasty. Chime stones from prehistory to the Middle Shang Dynasty were primarily discovered in the northern region and displayed various shapes, including drum chime stones and bell chime stones combined. During this stage, chime stones were primarily used as rhythmic instruments for sacrificial ceremonies or as accompaniment for music and dance. In the late Shang Dynasty, chime stones were found not only in the north but also in the Yangtze River basin. The number of chime stones with pentagonal shapes and those imitating animals increased. Drum and chime stone combinations remained significant. Furthermore, four new combinations involving cymbals and chime stones, such as xun and chime stone, xun cymbal and chime stone, and bone panpipe cymbal and chime stone, were unearthed in noble tombs. Chime stones in this stage served not only as rhythmic and sacrificial instruments but also played melodies and were used for paying tribute.

RAN Honglin..............................................................106 

Diamond-shaped eye image artifacts as the emblem of the Shu clan 

Abstract：Diamond-shaped eye image artifacts are currently exclusively observed in the ancient Shu region, specifically at the Sanxingdui site. These ritual artifacts are commonly found in the lower leg area of priests or clergy. The positioning of these artifacts is relatively fixed, and their diamond-shaped eye image is closely associated with the veneration of the eye. Furthermore, the significance of the term“Shu”aligns remarkably well with the portrayal of the diamond-shaped eye, making it plausible to consider it as the emblem of the Shu clan.

YANG Benshuo and LIANG Yiqian...........................113 

On the splicing technique of pottery unearthed from the Han burials of Xi’an 

Abstract：Numerous pottery artifacts have been excavated from the Han Dynasty tombs in Xi’an. These pottery wares were created using various techniques, with the splicing technique being the most prevalent. The splicing process involves a combination of wheel manufacturing, mold manufacturing, and hand manufacturing. The overall operation typically includes designing the split-part, creating the split-part, splicing, dressing, decoration, and other steps. The splicing process is noteworthy for its adaptability to changing times, standardization, modularization, and efficiency in production. Additionally, it reflects the dintricate nature of Han Dynasty pottery and its influence on both funeral customs and the advancement of the pottery industry during that era. The study of splicing technology holds significant importance for comprehending the history of pottery making, funeral culture, and present-day archaeological restoration efforts in the Han Dynasty.

HE Zhiguo.....................................................................122 

Questioning the bronze Buddha statue of the Eastern Han Dynasty from Xianyang 

Abstract：More than 130 examples of Han and Jin Buddha statues have been found in China, and the main features could be listed as followings. The Eastern Han Buddha statues employ the gesture of fearlessness, and the Wu-Jin Buddha statues employ the gesture of meditation. The Xianyang bronze standing Buddha differs from the standard image of the Eastern Han. The slender eyes, right-side robe clothing pattern, and other characteristics of the statue are accord with the sixteen kingdoms period. The Xianyang bronze Buddha plate, with the image of two Buddha, is similar to the Sakyamuni Buddha. The earliest known image of the Sakyamuni Buddha is of the late period of the sixteen kingdoms. The two Xianyang bronze statues should be of the sixteen kingdoms, which were mixed into burial M3015 of the late Eastern Han Dynasty. One should be cautioned of the date of artifacts from stolen burials.

ZHU Pei and LIU Yi...................................................132 

A survey and analysis of the glazed eye balls of the Pratyeka Buddha in the Fengxian Temple of the Longmen Grottoes 

Abstract：In 2022, during the Fengxian Temple protection project at the Longmen Grottoes, a significant discovery was made during disease investigation. It was found, for the first time, that the Pratyekabuddha on the right side of the Rushena Buddha had a glazed eye, with residual traces of painted pigment on the statue's surface. Non-destructive testing using portable equipment confirmed that the glazed eyeballs contained a high lead content, indicating the presence of typical artificial glaze. The head of the statue was adorned with painted pigment, including lead white and iron red. This newfound revelation not only represents an important outcome of the overall disease investigation at Fengxian Temple but also provides valuable data to support future archaeological and cultural heritage preservation efforts at the Longmen Grottoes. Moreover, it holds significant value in analyzing and exploring the stone carving techniques employed during the Tang Dynasty.

WANG Jiakun and ZHOU Shuanglin........................139 

An analysis of the pigments on the Buddha head in the No. 171 grotto of the Binglin Temple

Abstract：Inorganic pigments are widely used in the decoration of Buddhist statues. However, they may suffer from color changes due to environmental factors. In this study, various analytical techniques such as ultra depth of field microscope, SEM-EDS, X-ray diffraction analysis, and Raman spectroscopy are employed to analyze the painted pigments on the headdress of the Buddha statue in Cave 171 of Bingling Temple. The results reveal the presence of not only common pigments like iron red and carbon black but also a relatively rare black pigment known as black copper ore. Finally, the reasons and sources for the existence of this pigment are discussed, providing important information for future research on black pigments.