Preliminary Study On Women In The Han Dynasty Customs

The Han Dynasty is characterized by a unified country, a stable society, a prosperous economy and a progressive cultural life. During that time, the people抯 longing for better life and beauty became a very important part of their life and enhanced the prosperity of the Han women抯 adornments and costumes. Han women paid close attention to how they looked and they are known to the world for their beautiful costumes, delicate make-up and graceful image. Forward It points out that study of the costumes and personal adornments of women in the Han Dynasty is challenging, pressing and meaningful to the present day. Part One It discusses generally the Han people抯 conception about the beauty of women including their aesthetic judgement of both the figure and the costumes. Quoting the descriptions of beautiful ladies from the Verses of the Han, it gives people a more direct and detailed knowledge about the standard of beauty of the Han women. Part Two It talks about the hair styles of the Han women and how the various methods by which the costumes were made. It also analyzes the women抯 social status represented by their hairstyles. Part Three It describes the Han women抯 facial make-up according to the steps of conducting the make-up including the different types of the make-up and the cosmetic materials used. And it also indicates the social realities reflected by them. 2 -J Part Four It introduces Han women抯 costumes in three parts: the types of costumes; the dancing costumes; and the patterns of design on the costumes and their cultural connotations. Part Five It summarizes the three characteristics of the Han women抯 cosmetic adornments and costumes: representing the stratification of the society; representing the times; combining the practical use and the aesthetic conception. Part Six It thoroughly discusses the elements that formed the fashion and styles of the Han women抯 costumes and cosmetic adornments in four aspects: the social economy; the licentious custom of the society arid the general mood of the Han women; the women抯 social status; the men抯 aesthetic standards and the orientation of the ruling class. Conclusion It points out that the Han Dynasty is the foundation-laying period in the history of Chinese women抯 costumes and cosmetic adornments and the I-Ian women抯 costumes and cosmetic adornments have indelible historical significance.