The Study On The Western Regions Lion Tribute In Ancient Chinese

In the reign of emperor Wu Di of Han Dynasty, Zhang Qian develop the Silk Road leading to the western regions,people gradually learn the lions. Wu Yi Shan Li is the earliest place of lion land in the Book of han, then more and more records about lion land in ancient Chinese literature are happening. According to records, eld’s learning about lion land mostly derived from ambassador ‘s experiences who visit the Western Regions, lion land are mostly located in Central and Western Asia, and learning about the lion land from near to far,from land way to sea way.China hasn’t produced lion,lion become the best tribute because of it’s rare and precious. Tributary lion began in the Eastern Han Dynasty, Further promote between Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties and Tang Dynasty, Relative silence in Song and Yuan Dynasty, reach a crescendo in the First Half of Ming Dynasty, decline in Middle and Later Ming Dynasty. Tributary lion is mainly by land way, but come to a few sea way after Song Dynasty. Country of tributary lion seek political or economic benefits,the Central Dynasty demonstrate the legitimacy of the ruling, so the Central Dynasty generally accept the tributary lion. However, tributary lion is questioned and against during the reign time of Chenghua, Hongzhi and Jiajing in the Ming Dynasty. The Central Dynasty is generally accept the tributary lion, but sometimes also appear a few repatriation and rejection.With the lion introduce to China, Chinese form some cognization of lion. The shape of lion like a tiger, yellow color, tail hair as big as a bucket; lion is fast, carnivorous and king of animals on the characteristic; Taming lion is huge cost and difficult. With the knowledge of lion, lion is applied to war, appreciate, avoid evil spirits and medical. The lion’s poetry and painting emerge in the court, the lion’s folk custom and culture also emerge in the folk.