Han dynasty tomb art and burial practices reveal fascinating insights into ancient Chinese beliefs about the afterlife. From intricate jade burial suits to lifelike mingqi figurines, these artifacts showcase the complex rituals and customs surrounding death and the beyond.
Tombs were carefully designed to provide comfort and protection for the deceased in the afterlife. The Mawangdui tombs, with their well-preserved silk paintings and mummified remains, offer a rare glimpse into the opulent funerary traditions of Han nobility.
Tomb Artifacts
Mingqi and Tomb Figurines
- Mingqi are funerary objects specifically created for burials, not for practical use in life
- Include miniature replicas of buildings, farm animals, servants, entertainers, and soldiers
- Crafted from clay, wood, or bronze to symbolize possessions and resources the deceased would need in the afterlife
- Tomb figurines depict scenes of everyday life (cooking, farming, entertainers) to accompany the deceased and provide for their needs and enjoyment
Jade Burial Suits and Bronze Mirrors
- Jade burial suits were made of small jade plaques sewn together with gold or silver wire to cover the entire body
- Believed to preserve the body and protect it from decay and evil spirits in the afterlife
- Bronze mirrors were often placed in tombs as a symbol of wealth and status
- Mirrors were also thought to ward off evil spirits and guide the soul to the afterlife by reflecting light
Tomb Structures and Sites
Han Dynasty Tomb Architecture
- Han tombs were typically underground chambers accessed by a sloping ramp or vertical shaft
- Tombs were constructed of brick or stone and often had multiple chambers for the deceased and their possessions
- Some tombs featured elaborate architectural elements such as vaulted ceilings, pillars, and carved stone doors
- Interior walls were often decorated with murals depicting scenes of daily life, mythical creatures, or the afterlife
Mawangdui Tombs
- Mawangdui is an archaeological site near Changsha, China that contains three well-preserved Han dynasty tombs
- The tombs belonged to the family of the Marquis of Dai, a high-ranking Han official
- Tomb No. 1 contained the remarkably preserved body of Lady Dai, wrapped in layers of silk and buried in a series of nested coffins
- Other notable finds from the Mawangdui tombs include silk paintings, lacquerware, musical instruments, and medical texts
Tomb Art
Silk Paintings and Murals
- Silk paintings were a unique art form found in some Han dynasty tombs, such as those at Mawangdui
- The paintings depict scenes of daily life, mythical creatures, and cosmological diagrams
- Tomb murals were painted directly on the walls of the burial chamber and often featured similar themes to the silk paintings
- The vibrant colors and intricate details of the silk paintings and murals provide valuable insights into Han dynasty art, culture, and beliefs
Funerary Beliefs
Afterlife Beliefs and Practices
- The Han Chinese believed in an afterlife where the deceased would continue to exist and require the same necessities as in life
- Tombs were equipped with food, clothing, utensils, and other daily necessities to provide for the deceased in the afterlife
- Mingqi and tomb figurines were included to serve as substitutes for real servants, animals, and possessions
- The use of jade burial suits and the placement of mirrors and other protective objects reflects the belief in the need to preserve and protect the body and soul in the afterlife
- Funerary texts, such as the Mawangdui silk manuscripts, provide insights into Han dynasty beliefs about the afterlife, immortality, and cosmology