Question

What's an example of art typically created during the Han Period?

Answer 1

The dynamic Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE) witnessed a significant revival in Chinese art, compared to the preceding era of Qin Dynasty art (221-206 BCE). Chinese pottery (notably ceramic figurines), jade carving (notably jade suits), silk weaving and Chinese painting (on paper) were three areas of particular achievement. It is believed, for instance, that the earliest examples of Chinese porcelain was produced in the province of Zhejiang during the late Eastern Han (100-200 CE). Founded by Emperor Gaozu, the Han Dynasty divides into two periods: the Western Han (206 BCE – 9 CE), with its capital at Changan (second only to Rome as the largest city in the ancient world), in present-day Shaanxi Province; and the Eastern Han (25–220 CE) whose capital was further east at Luoyang (the headquarters of the ancient Zhou Dynasty), in present-day Henan Province. A progressive period of Chinese history, the Han Dynasty was responsible for numerous technological and scientific achievements, including water clocks, sundials, astronomical instruments, and the development of paper. Ideologically, it was greatly influenced by the ethics and philosophy of Confucianism, although traces of Legalism and Daoism from the earlier Zhou Dynasty remained. Under Emperor Wudi (141–86 BCE), China regained control of lands first conquered by Emperor Qin Shihuang, including parts of southern China and northern Vietnam. In addition, the subdugation of parts of central Asia in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan gave Han emperors control of important trade routes to Europe, and thus outlets for its silks and gold. By 166 CE, a direct link to Rome had been established, resulting in imports of ivory and tortoiseshell.