ZHANG Hongliang..............................76 

A Brief Discussion on the Hollow Bricks Unearthed from High-Level Construction Sites of the Qin and Han Dynasties 

Abstract：Hollow bricks from ground architectural sites of the Qin and Han dynasties are primarily found in locations such as Xianyang, the capital of the Qin Dynasty, Chang’an in the Western Han dynasty, Luoyang in the Eastern Han dynasty, and the mausoleums of the Han period. These bricks were mainly used as stepping stones for high platforms or as barrier bricks for corridors. The decorative patterns on Qin Dynasty hollow bricks were predominantly carved dragon motifs and printed geometric designs. In the Western Han Dynasty, stamped patterns became common, including not only the continuation of geometric motifs but also dragon and tiger designs, diamond patterns, and the Four Gods motifs. The Eastern Han Dynasty primarily inherited the dragon and tiger pattern layout, while introducing innovations in the finer details. The development of hollow bricks in ground architectural sites throughout the Qin and Han dynasties demonstrated a strong continuity in design and usage.

ZHU Chenlu..................................................87 

A Brief Study of the Tomb at Yanwan Village, Baqiao, Xi'an 

Abstract：The large tomb in Yanwan Village, Hongqing Street, Baqiao District, was previously believed to be a Qin mausoleum from the Warring States period. However, archaeological investigations, historical documents, satellite imagery, and other data indicate that the tomb dates to the Western Han dynasty. By reviewing historical and geographical records, it is concluded that Guanting Village, located between the Chan and Ba Rivers, should correspond to Langguanting of the Western Han Dynasty. The location of the large tomb in Yanwan Village is thus identified as“East Langguanting.”Based on the tomb’s scale and the collection of relics found, and by referencing the burial practices of the early Western Han period, particularly the“buried in the suburbs”tradition associated with the ouster of the empress, it is inferred that the tomb belongs to Empress Chen.

JIANG Chengcheng and WANG Fen....................93 

On Porous Jade and Stone Knives from Neolithic to Eearly Bronze Age 

Abstract：Multi-holed jade and stone knives can be classified into three types based on shape and the number of drilled holes: Type A, Type B, and Type C. Type A knives first appeared in the lower part of the Huai River valley during the Beiyinyangying-Xuejiagang periods, while Types B and C were predominantly used in the Dawenkou and Liangzhu communities. During the Longshan period, all three types became widespread across the Yellow River, reflecting the northward and westward diffusion of Eastern jade traditions. Simultaneously, the social functions of multi-holed knives began to diverge. In high-status burials from the Huai River basin, Taihu Lake region, Haidai, southern Shanxi, and the Central Plains, these knives likely served as symbols of military authority. In contrast, those found in sacrificial pits in the Hetao and Gansu-Qinghai regions may have carried religious significance as tools for communicating with the divine. By the Early Bronze Age, multi-holed knives appeared sporadically in the Erlitou and Erligang communities before gradually disappearing from the archaeological record.

LIAN Haiping.........................................................105 

The Manufacturing Techniques and Related Issues of the Bronze Tripod Unearthed from the Erlitou Site 

Abstract：The bronze tripod unearthed from the Erlitou site is the earliest of its kind in China. By analyzing the mold assembly lines on its belly, it is revealed that its casting mold consists of four sub-molds and a bottom mold. Two of these sub-molds were used for casting bronze knives during the first phase of the Erlitou period. The composite mold method for casting bronze bells emerged in the second phase, while the casting of bronze jue and jia vessels occurred in the third and fourth phases. The casting techniques used at Erlitou laid the foundation for the advanced bronze casting methods seen in the early Shang dynasty and established a precedent for clay mold casting in China’s Bronze Age.

ZHANG Tianyu.......................................................113 

A Turquoise-Inlaid Circular Plaque in the Collection of Hyogo Prefectural Archaeological Museum, Japan 

Abstract：The Kasai Branch of the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Archaeology houses a“turquoise-inlaid mirror,”donated by Senkichi Kogane. This paper analyzes its form and decorative style, concluding that the so-called“bronze mirror”is actually a turquoise-inlaid round ornament from the Erlitou culture. To date, similar round ornaments have not been found in scientifically excavated sites or burials associated with the Erlitou culture. The saw-toothed decorative motif on the edge of this ornament is also observed on bronze artifacts unearthed or collected from burial sites in Tianshanbeilu Cemetery, Xinjiang, the lower reaches of the Keriya River, and the Qijiaping site in Gansu, among others. These findings help trace the stylistic origins and dissemination pathways of such artifacts and contribute to understanding the origins of turquoise-inlaid ornaments within the Erlitou culture.

YANG Jin.............................................................120 

Vimalak rti in Kandys: An Multi-cultural Integrated Image in Dunhuang Grotto and Its origin 

Abstract：The first depiction of Mahayana Buddhist Vimalakīrti wearing kandys appears in the Yungang Grottoes, followed by representations in Longmen and Dunhuang, with some variations in style. Comparing the kandys worn by Vimalakīrti in pottery figurines, mural portraits, and stone carvings reveals differences in details such as the collar, sleeve length, and width, as well as a more integrated appearance of various elements. These variations suggest that the kandys, as an ethnic or nomadic symbol, were influenced by the Iranian tribes or other groups that migrated from the Mediterranean region to the western and northern parts of China. It is likely that Xianbei or Xiongnu nomadic tribes played a role in introducing kandys to China.

SUN Jiaru........................................................128 

The Relationship Between the Evolution of Tombstone Cover Designs and Decorations in the Late Northern Dynasties and the Status of Tomb Owners 

Abstract：This paper presents a systematic study of late Northern Dynasties epitaphs, focusing on those from the Eastern Wei, Northern Qi, Western Wei, and Northern Zhou dynasties. The analysis examines their structure, decoration, and hierarchical systems. Additionally, by comparing these epitaphs with those of the early Sui dynasty, the study explores the inheritance and evolution of epitaph traditions from the late Northern Wei to the early Sui period. The findings reveal that the epitaphs of the Eastern Wei and Northern Qi dynasties continued the tradition established during the late Zhengguang period of the Northern Wei dynasty. However, following the fall of the Northern Qi, this tradition gradually declined, representing only a brief phase in epitaph development. In contrast, the pre-Zhengguang tradition was preserved by the Western Wei and Northern Zhou dynasties and subsequently passed down to the Sui dynasty.

LV Ruidong et al. ..........................................137 

An Interpretation of the Inscribed Brick from Louzeyuan in the Collection of the Cizhou Kiln Museum

Abstract：In 1989, 18 engraved bricks were excavated from the tomb at the Louzeyuan site in Cixian, Hebei Province, though only a few were published in earlier articles. Based on the clues provided in those articles, we conducted a thorough investigation of these bricks, photographing rubbings and uncovering several distinctive features. The bricks date from the first year of Daguan to the fourth year of Xuanhe. Most of the individuals buried were local poor people, with some being migrants. The production of these engraved bricks exhibits various phenomena, such as line drawing, coloring, and re-engraving. Compared to other Louzeyuan bricks, these display unique characteristics in terms of burial practices, the demographics of the deceased, and the use of bricks, reflecting notable differences between this Louzeyuan site and others.