A Brief Analysis To Jade Culture Of Han Dynasty

Being as special articles to show social style and features, the jade of Han Dynasty (206 BC-220AD) coincidently was in a period of inheriting the past and ushering in the future. It inherited tradition of Warring States (475-221 BC) and absorbed unique style of Chu State, it widen the limit of previous subjects and depicted kinds of life of Han Dynasty, thus, it entered the peak period of jade history.This thesis analyses three kinds of jade of Han Dynasty: protocol jade, decorative jade and jade for exorcising evil spirits. The protocol jade is one the most important purposes since pre-Qin days; the decorative jade has the most sorts of shapes and figures; the last kind highlighted the functions of happiness seeking and protection, one may wish it could bring luck and happiness.This artistic style appeared in great feudal monarchies, its shapes, decorative styles and engraved techniques reached the highest period. The jade in Han Dynasty transferred the styles and functions: from ancient decorative style to real style, from practical purpose to decorative purpose, the mysterious religious meaning is vanishing, the jade beauty is entering the modern life, the people of that period began to seek beautiful characters of jade figures, this established structure of Chinese ancient jade culture, and it produces profound influence to the future.This thesis focus on jade kinds, shapes and figures, with background of social life of Han Dynasty, comprehensively analyses the continuation and development of jade art, thus, we can understand the cultural intension of jade in Han Dynasty.