A Study On Historical Data Of Han Dynasties’ Design

The design art of Han dynasties serves as a link between past and future, which is of great significance and value in ancient Chinese art design history. As the premise and foundation of the research on Han Dynasties’design art, the historical data not only carry with them all the glory and brilliance, but also interpret the profound wisdom of Han civilization. The design art of Han dynasties is recorded in some related literature texts. In addition, it is also reflected in some image historical materials of archaeological excavations and numerous wall paintings of tomb, stone relief and brick relief. Considering the vital role of the historical data in Han design history, this thesis will combine the methods of historical materials study and literature research method, double textual research method and image study method, so as to carry out the study on the historical data of Han Dynasties’design from the aspects of collecting, organizing, analyzing, applying and micro-valuing. In addition to the discussion over document, material object and image, it will also make discrimination on the reliability of data materials mainly by comparing the material objects and documents, material objects and image, etc. Only by studying these forms in all aspects can we dig the real, accurate information of the achievement and significance of the design of Han dynasties. As for the partition of type of historical data, bronze ware, chinaware, lacquer, gold and silver wares as well as other design types are regarded as the main basis. Besides, a general introduction to the other minority peoples will also be given in this thesis from the perspective of Xiongnu, the western region, South Vietnam, Bashu and so on. Different examples of each minority will also be given according to their different classification. With regard to the explanation of the method about how to collect and make use of historical material, this thesis will illustrate several approaches such as catalogue index, writing extracting card, taking notes, editing and copying. In the study of the reliability of the data materials, this thesis will also give some examples and examine those representative examples. At last, this thesis will explain that the value of material data and the value of the design of Han dynasties can be reflected not only in the designing system, idea and style of Qin Dynasty which is known as "following the Qing system" and "combining Confucianism and Taoism", but also in the influence and inspiration of design historical data on the study of design history.By classifying and distinguishing the material data, we can also get the general context of the design idea of Han Dynasties. From the early time of Han Dynasty when the thought of Emperor Huang and Laozi confirm the policy of "governing by non-interference", to the reign of Emperor Han Wudi when the policy of "Confucianism Worship Alone" play a primary role, we learn that the design in Han Dynasties is kind of inheritance and development of the idea of "following the Qing system". And the idea of "advocating frugality" and "combining body and spirit" is obviously under the influence of the thought of Emperor Huang and Laozi. The revival of Confucianism made the sense of hierarchy more apparent, and also added a rich Confucianism to the design art of this period. From the study on the historical data of Han Dynasties’ design we learn that the design of this period was not only influenced by the policy and culture, but also changed gradually with the development of science and technology. For this reason, a study on historical data can well reveal the social system, social thought and economic development of this period.The spiritual heritage together with the material heritage produced by the thoughts and actions of human beings constitute the vein of social development of human beings. Nowadays, design can be found everywhere. We should not only look forward, but also look back on the past at the same time. The study of material data will help us to keep on moving along the trail of the ancients. Only in this way can the design historiography further its path.