NIU Zhengwei......................................85 

A New Interpretation of“Yu”of the Xia Dynasty Based on Bronze Inscriptions and Archaeological Evidence 

Abstract：The character“Yu”is the name of a Xia Dynasty king.“Yu,”is composed of components resembling a“dragon”and a“hand”in bronze inscriptions. This character is a pictographic representation of a scene in which a person’s“hand”holds a“dragon-shaped object.”This structure closely aligns with the phenomenon of dragon-shaped objects placed on the upper body of the tomb owner in many Erlitou culture tombs, particularly in Tomb No. 2002VM3, where the tomb owner’s right hand holds a dragon-shaped object. Ancestor worship was a prominent feature in ancient China, and historical records indicate that Xia Dynasty kings, including Yu, Qi, and Kongjia, communicated with their ancestors through rituals such as“riding on dragons”and“eating dragons.”The structure of the character“Yu”and the scene depicted in the Erlitou tomb directly reflect the practices of Xia Dynasty kings like Yu, who communicated with ancestors and other gods through wujing, as mentioned in historical documents. This interpretation aligns with the descriptions in The Book of Rites and other texts, which note that ancient kings“used wujing to communicate with their ancestors and received guidance on how to govern the people.”

LI Baocai................................................94 

On the Inscribed Bronze YI of Eastern Zhou in the Collection of the Hebei Huailai Museum 

Abstract：In 1982, the Huailai County Library（the predecessor of the Huailai County Museum）collected a bronze wine vessel from Ganzi Village. Through analysis and comparison, it is inferred that the artifact dates from the late Spring and Autumn period to the early Warring States period. Based on literature and other engraved bronze vessels, the main decoration on this wine vessel likely depicts the elderly care ritual from the local wine drinking ceremony along with the accompanying the local archery ceremony scene. This vessel provides strong physical evidence for the origin and development of engraved bronze vessels, as well as the interactions between the Shanrong tribe and states such as the Yan Kingdom during the period.

SU Kui..................................................101 

On the Theme and Cultural Exchange of the Gazelle-Patterned Horse Decoration from the Han Dynasty 

Abstract：Through investigation, the author argues that the prototype of the sheep-like animal with two erect horns on the gourd-shaped horse decoration from the Han Dynasty is a juvenile male gazelle. This animal should be classified as“Lin”in ancient literature, rather than being categorized as“deer,”“goat,”or “antelope,”which are associated with sheep. The gazelle originated in Africa and serves as important evidence of cultural exchange. Although the two horse decorations currently discovered share the same shape and subject matter, they differ in material, craftsmanship, and style. Therefore, their sources and routes of cultural influence are also distinct.

DUAN Chenggang..........................110 

Interpretation of the Newly Discovered Epitaphs of the Xu Family 

Abstract：In June 2023, the Xi’an Institute of Cultural Relics Protection and Archaeological Research excavated three tombs dating to the sixth year of the Tianhe reign（571 AD）of the Northern Zhou Dynasty in the southern suburbs of Xi’an, near Shaolingyuan. The tomb owners were members of the Xu family from Xinfeng, who had entered the Central Plains with Emperor Xiaowu of Northern Wei during the late Northern Wei period. The epitaphs of these tombs hold significant value for studying the burial customs and political issues related to the Xu family during the Western Wei and Northern Zhou periods. The author intends to examine the epitaphs of the three Xu family tombs and explore issues such as the Xu family’s shifting political affiliations, family development, and marriage hierarchy.

FU Wanlu et al. ...............................116 

On the“Additional Three Payments”at the end of the Ming Dynasty 

Abstract：The“Additional Three Payments”（San Xiang Jia Pai 三饷加派）was a significant social and economic event during the Ming Dynasty. However, the collection and dispatch of these“Three Payments” remain subjects of debate, largely due to the absence of silver ingot evidence. Among the silver ingots unearthed from the late Ming Dynasty Jiangkou Battlefield Site in Sichuan Province, 20 silver ingots in various shapes were found with inscriptions such as“Jiapai”（additional taxes）,“Liaoxiang”（military expenditure for the Liaodong Garrison）, and“Lianxiang”（training expenses）. These silver ingots serve as critical physical evidence of the complex historical context of the late Ming Dynasty, confirming the diverse terminology and extended duration of “Liaoxiang” collection and verifying the actual imposition of “Lianxiang.”The inscriptions on the silver ingots reflect a well-established system of tax collection, silver ingot casting, inspection, and transportation, highlighting the interplay between emergency finance and silver-based finance during the late Ming period. Additionally, the distinct regional forms of the silver ingots reveal the relatively loose institutional management of silver, which was the core currency in the late Ming Dynasty.

LI Yinde & WU Wei........................126 

Restoration of the Gold-and-Jade-Threaded Burial Suit Unearthed from the Tomb of the King of Chu at Shizishan, Xuzhou 

Abstract：Over 4,000 scattered gold-threaded jade garment pieces were unearthed from the Chu King Tomb at Shizishan, Xuzhou. Based on the remains of the tomb owner, a complete shoe sole, key jade pieces, and four types of gold-threaded jade with varying diameters, the jade garment has been scientifically reconstructed. This is the earliest, finest, most abundant, and most exquisitely crafted gold-threaded jade garment discovered in China to date, holding significant historical, artistic, and scientific value.

ZHAO Xiaowei et al. .....................135 

On the Jade Coffin Unearthed from the Tomb of the Queen of Jiangdu（M2）of Dayunshan in the Western Han Dynasty

Abstract：The jade coffin unearthed from the Western Han Dynasty tomb of the Queen of Liu Fei, King of Jiangdu, at Dayunshsn, Xuyi （M2）, was carefully cleaned and reconstructed. The coffin is rectangular in shape and consists of a wooden coffin with lacquered decorative patterns on the outer walls, inlaid jade pieces, jade bi（disc-shaped ornaments）, and geometric jade plaques on the inner walls. The outer edges of the jade bi are decorated with persimmon stem patterns, while the edges of the holes are adorned with gold （or silver）persimmon stem patterns, and the holes themselves are filled with circular gold（or silver）foil. All seams between the jade pieces are sealed with gold or silver foil and outlined with cinnabar. This is currently the most well-preserved, information-rich, and intricately decorated jade coffin from the Han Dynasty. Before burial, the coffin was sealed and bound with coffin straps.