Ordinary Mysteries: Interpreting the Archaeological Record of Han Sichuan

Author: Nylan, Michael

Source: Journal of East Asian Archaeology, Volume 5, Numbers 1-4, 2003 , pp. 375-400(26)

Publisher: BRILL

Key:
Free Content - Free Content
New Content - New Content
Subscribed Content - Subscribed Content
Free Trial Content - Free Trial Content

Abstract:

In this article I present three ideas designed to challenge us to look harder at the riches that the Han tomb tiles and figurines from Sichuan represent. After noting briefly the ways in which the tomb represents a "well-protected home," I will argue first that the scenes that now appear most straightforward and easily interpreted may once have communicated far more complex ideas; second, that multiple metaphorical meanings attached to certain images can be established by reference to other sites as far away from Sichuan as Shandong, on the northeastern seacoast; and third, that what we now—quite anachronistically—call the "art of the Sichuan tombs" nonetheless exhibits several noteworthy features that are entirely distinctive to the area.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1163/156852303776172953

The full text electronic article is available for purchase. You will be able to download the full text electronic article after payment.

$25.00 plus tax

 

OR

Back to top

Key:
Free Content - Free Content
New Content - New Content
Subscribed Content - Subscribed Content
Free Trial Content - Free Trial Content
Page Help Click here for Page Help
Shopping cart
Tools
Sign in






Need to register?
Sign up here
Text size: A | A | A | A