Questions and Answers
What is the Mandate of Heaven also referred to as?
Who are the Three Sovereigns?
Which dynasty is associated with the legendary figures Yu and Jia?
What does the concept of li represent?
Signup and view all the answers
Which two types of tomb structures are highlighted?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the significance of the mingqi in funerary practices?
Signup and view all the answers
What significant item is notably found in Mawangdui Tomb No.1?
Signup and view all the answers
Which mythical figure is associated with the idea of immortality?
Signup and view all the answers
What significant change occurred in ancestral worship during the Eastern Zhou period?
Signup and view all the answers
What are bronze vessels from the Shang dynasty known for?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the term 'taotie' associated with?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the concept of 'Zu' refer to in the context of funerary practices?
Signup and view all the answers
In which dynasty was the Wu Liang Shrine constructed?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the term 'mutual dependence' signify in the context of familial lineage?
Signup and view all the answers
What were the primary materials used for making ink rubbings in funerary art?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the expansion of orthodox ritual codes during the Northern Song period imply?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the design of the Mawangdui name banner primarily represent?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following materials is NOT mentioned as having symbolic significance in funerary objects?
Signup and view all the answers
What is depicted on the foot panel of one of Lady Dai’s coffins?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary purpose of the figurines found in Mawangdui tomb no.1?
Signup and view all the answers
What does jade symbolize in the context of ancient Chinese funerary practices?
Signup and view all the answers
Which characterization best describes the structure of the Cangshan tomb according to the content?
Signup and view all the answers
What scene is depicted on the east wall of the Cangshan tomb?
Signup and view all the answers
In the context of the information provided, which description is least applicable to the concept of 'Immortality after death'?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Overview of Early Funerary Art in China
- Significant development of funerary art occurred around the Yellow River and Yangzi River regions.
- Bronze vessels, such as the square ding from the mid-Shang dynasty, held both utilitarian and ceremonial purposes.
Ancestral Worship
- Shift from a collective ancestor concept to individual familial worship during the Eastern Zhou period (770-256 BCE), moving from lineage temples to family graveyards.
- The Northern Song dynasty (960-1127 CE) expanded ritual practices, making them accessible to ordinary people.
Wu Liang Shrine
- Wu Liang Shrine, dating back to 151 CE, provides insights into early funerary practices and ancestral veneration.
- Layout and pictorial reliefs depict themes vital to ancestral worship, including political ideals and immortality.
Key Themes in Funerary Art
- Mandate of Heaven: Reflects political and cosmic order; used to justify rule.
- Mythical Figures: Depicts figures like the Queen Mother of the West, symbolizing immortality and divine authority.
- Human History: Represents the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, linking lineage to divine heritage.
Importance of Funerary Rites
- Funerary rites shaped societal norms surrounding death, influencing code creation for tomb construction and funerary art.
- The concept of li emphasized proper rituals and decorum in family ceremonies.
Mortuary Discourse
- Dualism between the hun (heavenly soul) and po (earthly soul) impacted burial practices and the types of grave goods included.
- Distinction between practical articles (yongqi) and spirit articles (mingqi).
Tomb Structures
- Two main tomb designs: vertical pits (earlier) and horizontal chambers.
- The Mawangdui Tomb No. 1, dating back to the 2nd century BCE, exemplifies elaborate burial practices with multiple coffins and grave goods.
Lady Dai's Tomb
- Lady Dai's tomb included richly decorated coffins and diverse grave goods symbolizing status and afterlife needs.
- The intricate depiction of immortality and deities on her coffins illustrates beliefs about the afterlife.
Material Culture in Funerary Contexts
- Specific materials symbolize different stages of existence: wood (mortal life), stone (endurance), and jade (purity and divinity).
- Jade objects, such as bi-discs from around 2000 BCE, served both practical and ceremonial purposes.
Iconography and Afterlife Visions
- Artworks in tombs, such as the Cangshan tomb, depict dynamic scenes of funery processions and immortal life, reinforcing the notion of life after death.
- Mt. Kunlun is depicted as a sacred space associated with immortality, underlining its importance in funerary iconography.
Cultural Reflection
- Early funerary art in China reflects evolving beliefs about life, death, and continuity, deeply intertwined with ancestral worship and societal rituals.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
Explore the significance of early funerary art in China, focusing on the Bronze Age artifacts from the Shang and Song dynasties. This quiz delves into the themes of ancestor worship and the artistic motifs found on bronze vessels. Test your knowledge on the cultural context and styles of these remarkable artifacts.
