Technological Evolution and Regional Characteristics of Boshan-style Ceramic Lids in the Han Dynasty: Evidence from the Beijing Region
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.67533/x1mfwf51Keywords:
Beijing region, Han Dynasty, Boshan-style vessel lids, typologicalAbstract
The discovery of numerous Han Dynasty tombs and their associated ceramic grave goods has provided invaluable material for investigating Han-period material culture. This study focuses on 29 well-preserved Boshan-style ceramic lids excavated from multiple Han Dynasty burial sites in Tongzhou, Beijing. These lids, characterized by their mountain-shaped reliefs, not only reflect the widespread cult of sacred mountains and beliefs in immortality during the Han Dynasty but also preserve richer manufacturing details than the vessel bodies themselves due to their more complex formation processes. Through systematic typological analysis, technological examination, and chronological sequencing, this research identifies three primary manufacturing techniques: Combination of Wheel-Manufacturing and Mold Manufacturing Techniques , Mold Manufacturing, and Wheel Manufacturing. The study reveals a clear evolutionary trajectory from quality-oriented production in the Western Han Dynasty to quantity-oriented mass production in the Eastern Han Dynasty. Notably, this paper proposes that a specialized fast wheel equipped with molds was employed during the Western Han period to achieve both high-quality finishing and efficient production. Regional comparisons with contemporary examples from the Guanzhong and Luoyang regions demonstrate that while Beijing's Boshan-style lids were influenced by these cultural centers, they developed distinct local characteristics in decorative patterns, structural proportions, and functional applications. These findings provide new insights into the organization of ceramic production, cultural transmission, and regional funerary practices in northern China during the Han Dynasty.
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