As the tombs of Early China hold such a historical and artistic significance on China’s materialistic culture, it shows the extent in which the dead is respected and provided for after death. While the tombs are known for consisting of anthropomorphic and zoomorphic miniatures, as well as architectural models, the tombs were filled will items that the spirits would need after death. As the objects in the tombs were referred to as “‘spirit articles’ made specifically for the afterlife,” they often consisted of various paintings and sculptures (10). The reason that pottery was incorporated into the tombs was because it could be mass produced and was known for its high quality, as well as the fact that the imperial family lacked any sophisticated technology. In reality, the burial objects were not intended to hold a particular function to the living and instead they were simply pleased by their aesthetics.
The three factors that the figurines were influenced by were location, time and quantity. They are known as representations, or microorganisms, of the different aspects of the society in ancient times. Furthermore, the material used on each figurine was determined by one’s social class. The figurines of the imperial family consisted of clay and anyone else that was considered below them in the hierarchy used wood. The human figurines typically included servants and performers that would fulfill the role of assisting and accompanying the dead. In addition, the architectural models were typically ceramic and wooden vehicles, such as chariots, oxcarts and boats.
The tombs of Early China are known to be magical spaces that move objects between the two worlds and act as a counter-image in the world of the dead. As the figurines and models are known for taking the place of performing human sacrifices, the number of instances of human sacrifice has decreased over time and the objects inside of the tombs has dramatically increased.
Three things I learned this week:
- The Terracotta Army was located alongside the tomb of the First Emperor of Qin and was part of a massive underground city.
- The tombs of Early China consisted of anthropomorphic and zoomorphic miniatures, as well as architectural models that were essential to the spirits in the afterlife.
- The figures depended upon the three factors of location, time and quantity.
Works Cited
Hung, Wu. The Art of the Yellow Springs: Understanding Chinese Tombs. London: Reaktion Books, 2010. (ebook Trexler)
Other Tombs of Early China- Selbitschka, Armin. “Miniature Tomb Figurines and Models in Pre-Imperial and Early Imperial China: Origins, Development and Significance.” World Archaeology 47, no. 1 (2015): 20-44. (article in Trexler)
