Patterns and Shapes of Gold Animal Artifacts in the Tomb of Marquis of Haihun from Iconographic Perspective
Keywords:
The Tomb of Marquis of Haihun, Gold Animal Artifacts, Iconography, Belief SystemAbstract
The objectives of the research on “Patterns and Shapes of Gold Animal Artifacts in the Tomb of Marquis of Haihun from Iconographic Perspective” were to 1) study and analyze the production techniques, patterns, and shapes of animal gold artifacts in the Tomb of Marquis of Haihun and 2) analyze the hidden meanings and beliefs behind the animal gold artifacts in the Tomb of Marquis of Haihun from an iconographic perspective. The study of documents, fieldwork, and interviews with relevant experts found that the characteristics and production methods of gold artifacts can be divided into embossed and patterned goldware, gold-patterned bronzeware, and gold-plated bronzeware, which reflect the excellence and craftsmanship wisdom of the Han Dynasty very well. Most of the decorations used gold as the main material for bending, assembling, welding, or embedding on the pieces. These gold artifacts were created as utensils for the emperor, animal mounts, and royal gifts to courtiers. From the analysis of the characteristics of the animals on gold artifacts from an iconographic perspective, it was found that the images and shapes of animals on these gold artifacts came from real animals in nature and new forms of animals created according to legends and beliefs, which became the unique aesthetics of the Han Dynasty. In addition, these animal-shaped gold artifacts also had auspicious meanings, power, and sacredness, and they conveyed religious philosophy and beliefs, which reflected the desire for a good life of the Chinese people during the Han Dynasty.
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