Research On Qin-Style Chariot And Harness Ornaments In Spring And Autumn Period

From 2012 to 2014,the excavation of four carriage pits in Maojiaping,Gangu,greatly enriched the physical material of Qin carriages from the Spring and Autumn period,in which the excavated carriages were basically in origin position,providing a feasibility for a special study of Qin chariot and Harness Ornaments.On the basis of the physical material from archaeological excavations of Spring and Autumn period Qin tombs and carriage pits and the theoretical foundation of the numerous previous studies of the carriage system,this paper presents a special study of Spring and Autumn period Qin-style chariot and Harness Ornaments in conjunction with material from other Eastern states and the mid-to late-Warring States Qin chariot and Harness Ornaments.The Qin chariot and Harness Ornaments of the Spring and Autumn period can be divided into five parts: the turning part,the trailing part,the carrying part,the tethering part and the accompanying tools inside the carriage.The main tools in the turning section are the lacquer painted ornaments attached to the wheels and the carriage with the axle,and the hubs are lacquered;the main tools in the trailing section are the ornaments attached to the central,inner(outer)and end of lumber(called heng),especially the end one,which are the most numerous,while the other ornaments no longer appear,and the bell(called luan)is basically no longer in use;the main tools in the carrying section are the hook-cloud shaped sheet copper sewn onto the front and back of the carriage and the flank of the carriage.There are also the ornaments mounted on the front of the crossbar(called shi),the hinges at the door of the carriage and the bow caps that hold the umbrella coverings open,and the lacquer painted carriages that were popularly decorated on the carriage.Arrows will also be placed in the dorlach.The last section includes the gag bit,the element for connecting the ropes,etc.To make adequate preparation for driving over long distances,some common tools will be placed in the car.The Qin-style chariot and Harness Ornaments was a vehicle for the fusion and exchange of the three elements inherent in Qin culture,and its study will help to clarify the development of Qin culture and the process of its development,maturation and prosperity.