Research
Henan Museum
No.4, 2024 Cultural Relics of Central China (part 2)
introduction:
Edit: Gp
Time: 2025-01-13 10:01:27

CHU Zhanpeng........................................................................79 

An Analysis of Han Dynasty Multi-Burial Tombs in the Sichuan-Chongqing Region 

Abstract:The practice of multi-person joint burial in the Sichuan and Chongqing regions began in the early to mid-Western Han Dynasty, took shape during the late Western Han to early Eastern Han Dynasty, and reached its peak in the middle to late Eastern Han Dynasty. This burial tradition represents a distinctive local funerary custom. The tombs are generally medium-sized with a modest level of elaboration, and were primarily used by the middle and lower strata of society. The development, user demographics, and distribution patterns of these tombs provide valuable insights into the relationship between the local population, the nobility, and Han immigrants. This study offers important references for understanding the joint burial customs of the Han Dynasty.


WAN Junwei and WANG Sanying........................................89 

Preliminary Discussion on Sizhi of the Northern Song Dynasty' s Eastern Capital Imperial Palace 

Abstract:The site of the Northern Song Dynasty’s capital city, Dongjing, is a typical example of an ancient-modern overlapping city, with the central axis and the layout of the core urban streets still in use today. The imperial palace of Northern Song Dongjing, also known as the Imperial City, is roughly located in the present-day Longting Park area of Kaifeng, Henan Province. Guided by the theory of reconstructing ancient-modern overlapping cities, this paper examines the continuity of the streets and alleys near the imperial palace of Northern Song Dongjing. The relative positions of the streets, government offices, and key points south of the imperial palace suggest that the palace was located in the northwest corner of the inner city, with the city’s central axis lying in the eastern half of the palace. This asymmetrical layout was likely constrained by the already established street patterns of the old Bianzhou city from the Tang and Five Dynasties periods. Based on this research, the paper also argues that the location and distribution of the imperial palace significantly influenced the architectural layout of the palace, the neighborhood system of the inner city of Northern Song Dongjing, the Jin Dynasty’s Nanjing Imperial City, and the Ming Dynasty’s Zhou Prince’s Mansion.


ZHANG Baoqing..........................................................98 

Exploration of the Cultural Features of Brick-Chamber Tombs Imitating Wooden Structures in the He-Shuo Region During the Song and Jin Dynasties 

Abstract:The Heshuo area was not only an important area for the popularity of imitation wood-brick chamber tombs in the Tang dynasty, but also had a great impact on the overall appearance of the tombs in the northern region during the Song and Jin dynasties. This paper analyzes the age and regional characteristics of Song and Jin imitation wood-brick chamber tombs in Heshuo area. Our survey points out that the planar shape has changed from circular to polygonal, the wall layout has changed from“four-part”to “six(eight)-part”, and the theme combination has changed from“false door + furniture”to“false door + false door.”This paper also discusses the time node of this transformation and the historical background and cultural outlook it reflects.


SUN Jin .........................................................................107 

Review on the Archaeological Discovery and Research of Gongyi Kiln 

Abstract:The Gongyi kiln, recognized as one of the most significant kilns in Chinese ceramic history, holds a pivotal place in the development of Chinese ceramics. Since the discovery of Tang Sancai ware in the early 20th century, concerted efforts by generations of scholars have led to substantial progress in the archaeological study and research of the Gongyi kiln. The kiln’s origins date back to the Northern Dynasties, with significant development during the Sui Dynasty. It reached its zenith during the Tang Dynasty and experienced a decline in the Song and Jin Dynasties. Throughout its history, the Gongyi kiln not only met the ceramic needs of various social strata but also continuously innovated in processing technology. This innovation led to the creation and production of new ceramic types, including white porcelain, Sancai of the Tang Dynasty, marbled ceramics, and Tang blue and white. The influence of the Gongyi kiln extended beyond its region, impacting both southern and northern kilns, and its products became among the earliest Chinese exports to overseas markets.


HE Cunding et al. ..................................................................115 

Study of Spheroids Type and Process Technology of Yangguanzhai site, Xi' an 

Abstract:Spheroids are a distinctive class of edgeless tools that exhibit significant variation during the Neo-Paleolithic period. This paper presents a comprehensive study of the spheroids unearthed at the Yangguanzhai site, employing typological and technological analysis. Classification and statistical analysis reveal that the original spheroids are all made from gravel, which can be categorized into natural and artificial spheroids, with limestone being the predominant material. The spheroids are primarily small in size, followed by larger ones, with stone pellets being relatively rare. High and medium roundness spheroids are more commonly observed. In terms of surface traces, various characteristics can be identified, including flake scars, dot pits or dense white spots, friction marks, and grinding or polishing marks. The processing techniques and strategies for spheroid production vary, involving a technological process with five main stages: raw material selection, rough shaping, cutting and molding, grinding and finishing, and surface polishing. Within these stages, at least nine operational strategies are identified, allowing for flexible adjustments based on the shape and characteristics of the raw spheroid material. The study reveals a strong correspondence between the types and technologies of spheroids, suggesting that the functions of these stone tools may have evolved or diversified over time.


LU Qingfeng and ZHANG Hongliang...............................124 

Preliminary Analysis of Cloud Patterned Roof Tiles Unearthed at Eastern Han Dynasty Mausoleum Sites 

Abstract:To date, 950 cloud-patterned tiles have been excavated from the Mausoleum of the Eastern Han Dynasty, comprising 21 distinct types. These include Type A(double spacers), Type B(no spacers), and Type C(three spacers). The development and evolution of these tiles show a gradual increase in variety, with Types A and B developing concurrently. The proportion of Type A tiles gradually increases, with Type Aa consistently remaining the most prevalent. Additionally, the lines on the cloud-patterned tiles evolve from disconnected to connected, and the decorative elements outside the“Ruding”become increasingly elaborate. This research not only enriches the classification of cloud-patterned tiles from the Han and Wei dynasties in Luoyang and enhances the developmental sequence of these tiles but also provides valuable reference points for dating the Eastern Han Imperial Mausoleum Sites.


ZHU Pei......................................................................................131 

Examination of the Stone Pillar Inscription 

Abstract:Longmen Grottoes Academy recently collected The Recording of Qinggong Duhe’s Pagoda, a sutra pillar constructed from stone. Sutras-related Gathas, such as Mahaparadaha Sutra, the Dharmapada Sutra, the Tibetan Sutra of the Wise and Fool, and EkottaraĀgama, were carved onto the pillar's surface. The complete version of EkottaraĀgama is no longer in existence, however, some of its contents were recorded in The Metaphor and Stories of Buddhist Sutra and Discipline. The Recording of Qinggong Duhe’s Pagoda is the only currently available recorded information on the sutra pillars.It holds high research value for the engraved content of Buddhist scriptures, the collation and emendation of Buddhist scriptures, and the funeral etiquette of Buddhist monks.


CHEN Chaoyun and ZHANG Borui.....................................138 

Study of the Stele Inscription for Tang Wu Gong

Abstract:The existing stele of Tangwu Gong, a Centurion of the Military and Civil Ten Thousand Household Office of the Grand Yuan Dynasty, located in Puyang County, Henan Province, records the migration of the Tangwulu Ma family, descendants of Western Xia, to the Central Plains, detailing their family lineage, official experiences, marital relations, and offspring. The inscription notes that during the reign of Kublai Khan, Tangwulu Ma followed the Yuan army in battles, registered as a military household, and settled in Puyang while also undertaking military tasks related to garrison farming. After migrating to the Central Plains, the Tangwu Gong family was influenced by Central Plains Han culture, leading to the Sinicization of their production methods and customs. The family actively embraced Confucian culture, participated in the construction of academies, and promoted rural education, clearly demonstrating cultural and national identity. The Tangwu Gong stele provides valuable material for studying the history of Western Xia descendants who migrated to the Central Plains during the Yuan Dynasty and gradually assimilated into Han culture.