A Systematic Study Of Architectural Patterns In Han Paintings

Han dynasty is a vital transition stage in the history of Chinese traditional architecture.The basic structures and load-bearing approaches of architecture in Han dynasty weresignificantly improved by the development of structural carpentry. Those progresses furtherformed the foundation of ancient Chinese wooden architecture. However, a thorough view ofarchitecture in Han dynasty has not created in academia to date due to the lack of ruins andrelics. This research systematically studied the architectural patterns found on relief stones,bricks and fresco in tombs of Han dynasty, consulted the architectural ruins, relics and modelsfounded in tombs and discussed the architecture types, structures and building techniquesobserved from those pictures. On the other hand, this study also explored the cultural andsymbolic meanings based on the culture phenomena found in the pictures during the researchprocess. There are six chapters in this dissertation:Chapter oneIn this chapter, the research object and the background of topic selection were introduced.The historical and current research status on architectural patterns in Han paintings werereviewed. The aim of this research was confirmed and relevant methods were explained.Chapter twoThis chapter focused on the architecture types and structures in patterns. The verifiedarchitecture types were classified into seven categories considering their functions with thereference of historical records: doors and monument piers, parlor, living buildings, gardensand storages, public facilities and workshops, ancestral temples, academy and ethical buildings.The features and structures of architecture were discussed by categories.Chapter threeThe demarcation and periodization research on architectural patterns were conducted inthis chapter. The distribution of architectural patterns was divided into four main geographicalregions: eastern, central, southwestern, and northern China. Accordingly, the development ofarchitecture extracted from the patterns was discussed in each region and summarized later.Chapter four The building techniques were unveiled based on the architectural construction obtainedfrom the comparative study among patterns, relics, ruins and models of architecture in Handynasty. The techniques of structural carpentry during the development of storied building,pavilion and bridge were introduced as examples. Three basic frameworks of structuralcarpentry, post-and-lintel construction, column-and-tie construction and log cabin construction,were developed in Han period, respectively. Meanwhile, Dougong, Liangfang plenum andstoried construction strut techniques have been achieved significant advances in Han dynasty.Chapter fiveThis chapter explored the culture factors contained in the architectural patterns and muralpaintings with iconology and situational analysis. Architectures in mural paintings were notonly used as their realism function: Que was also regarded as an entrance of underworld,living world and fairyland; Pavilion could get them closer to the Gods; Bridge was used toconnect the different worlds in the belief of Han dynasty. The culture and symbolic meaningsof picture combinations and configurations in the decoration space of tombs were furtherdiscussed.Chapter sixThis chapter is the conclusion of the research. There are three main trends behind thedevelopment of architecture types, structures and techniques in architectural patterns: firstly,the eave and building body were lifted higher; secondly, the strut of construction foundationwas disappearing; thirdly, the number of columns inside of the building body was decreasing.And the combined pictures decorating the wall of tomb revealed two main themes: One was toshow the blessing to the deceased and wish them immortals. The other was to honor thecontribution of the deceased.