Study On Bronze Mirror From Han Dynasty Discover In Xuzhou

Han Dynasty is the very peak period in the developing process of ancient bronze mirrors. As a significant area in which Han culture was flourishing, Xuzhou, from Western Han on, witnessed the popularity of bronze mirrors which later became burial accessories in ancient tombs. In recent years, lots of bronze mirrors from the Han Dynasty have been found in the mausoleums of Chu kings as well as various Han tombs, big or small.This essay is to provide a thorough and systematic study on bronze mirrors from Western and Eastern Han Dynasty. Based on mirrors' shapes, ornamentations and inscriptions, among other features, and combined with archaeological report data to determine the times of these burials, Xuzhou Han bronze mirrors are to be divided into early Western Han Dynasty, middle and late Western Han Dynasty (Wang Mang era included) as well as Mid-eastern Han Dynasty. Based on mirror ornamentations, the ancient bronze mirrors from Han Dynasty discovered in Xuzhou are to be classified into 12 categories with a number of subclasses. They are Mirror with stylized Dragon Motif, Mirror of Kuifeng, Mirror with four Dsivine Beast, Mirror with Bosses, Mirror with Grass-Blade Pattern, Mirror with Inscription and Linked Arcs, Mirror with TLV Pattern, Mirror with Human Figures, etc. A scientific analysis on the causes of mirror surface oxide layer has been made from the angles of geographical location, natural environment and geological structure in Section 4, Chapter 2.The 3rd chapter is to provide an analysis on the identities and social-estates of tomb owners with bronze mirrors buried, and a compare and analysis on mirrors with same historic times but different locations. Meanwhile, analyses will be made between so-called "Xuzhou Mirror" and "Family of Xuzhou Mirror". More information is also to be offered regarding the theory that Xuzhou was likely to be the hut of bronze mirrors both in Han Dynasty and the Three Kingdoms Period.The conclusion part of the essay is to summarize the characteristics of Han Dynasty bronze mirrors discovered in Xuzhou based on the above chapters' discussions and analyses.