Research On The Style Of Han Dynasty Stone Portraits In Northern Shaanxi

The history of Han Dynasty Stone Portraits (HDSPs) in north of ShaanxiProvince of China was relatively short, spanning50years from90AD (the secondyear of the Yongyuan period) to140AD accepted by most scholars as the latest yearwhen HDSPs ceased to exist. The short-lived history of HDSPs saw no significantchanges in techniques used in creating stone portraits but remarkable variations instyle were notable, thus leaving most scholars to believe that HDSPs were a form ofart introduced from other areas. What had contributed to the changes of HDSPs instyle? There is no conclusive answer to this question among scholars. In this research,based on the effects of image presented by HDSPs, in combination with Han Dynastyartifacts made of other materials in other areas and historical records of the EasternHan Dynasty, several possibilities of the theory of introduction of HDSPs fromoutside are analyzed. Additionally, according to the social situation of the Eastern HanDynasty and based on the fact that many things were introduced from outside intoNorthern Shaanxi, the main factors that contributed to the formation of styles ofHDSPs are analyzed. Evidences are given to show some images of HDSPs haveextensive effect on arts of the tomb in Han Dynasty.In this research, the system of making HDSPs, including techniques of makingHDSPs, division of labor among the stone portrait makers, etc is analyzed. In additionto technique problems, this research is also oriented to the effects of the socialsituation of the Eastern Han Dynasty on HDSPs and how the life of rich peopleaffected the making of HDSPs. The formation of HDSPs is discussed on the two levels of the system of making HDSPs and the then social realities.