A Study On The Boat-shaped Tomb Of The Tang Dynasty

The boat-shaped tomb features curved outlines on both sides of the burial chamber and so resembles a ship from the horizontal perspective.Some of those double-chambered tombs with boat-shaped outlines located in a single burial chamber or part of the chambers can also be classified as a boat-shaped tomb.This type of tomb was most prevalent during the Jin and Song Dynasties.Therefore,the research object of this dissertation is the boat-shaped tomb of the Tang Dynasty which is found in numerous places throughout the country.It is notable that there is a slightly greater concentration of these tombs in the Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces.Furthermore,this dissertation encompasses a comprehensive review of archaeological discoveries and the research status of the boat-shaped tombs in addition to further research.First of all,the dissertation which features an analysis of the structure of the boat-shaped tomb.Depending on the number of chambers,these can be divided into two particular categories:single-chambered tombs and double-chambered tombs.Further to this,based on the plane shape of these two types,the single-chambered tombs can be divided into five types.These are the dragon boat,canoe,ladder,ship and waist drum variations.Additionally,the double-chambered tomb can be divided into those which incorporate front and rear longitudinal double chambers and left and right juxtaposition double chambers.These may then be subdivided into four further types as follows:semi-rectangular and semi-boat,front and rear double ships,left and right double ships and left and right double chamber(the overall outline is a boat)types.Secondly,this paper will include an analysis of the grave goods which were placed within the boat-shaped tombs.The grave goods found in these tombs of the Tang dynasty are abundant in quantity and are numerous in type.Therefore,this dissertation will mainly implement typology which is based on different materials,including ceramics,metal ware,jade ware and lacquerware.Among these,ceramics are the primary components of the grave goods.Therefore,a significant number of ceramic goods were selected for typological analysis,each of these was defined according to particular differences in shape.Finally,as stated by the differences in the structure and grave goods of the boat-shaped tombs studied mentioned above,it is apparent that the boat-shaped tombs have distinct regional characteristics.By utilizing systematic analysis they can be defined in relation to three specific locations in terms of induction and geographical distribution situations which are as follows:Lower reaches of the Yangtze River and surrounding areas,Northern area and the Lingnan area.Moreover,analyses the regional characteristics of tombs in different areas and discusses the regional cultural factors.Furthermore,depending on the regional characteristics exhibited by the boat-shaped tombs in each area,and combined with the aspects of the geographical environment,economic,political and religious aspects of the time,the formation reasons,cultural sources and mutual relations of regional characteristic culture in each area will be examined.In conclusion,this dissertation will examine the materials employed in the construction of boat-shaped tombs of the Tang Dynasty which have been excavated and comprehensively analyzed.Additionally,typological studies of the structure,typical grave goods and regional differences of boat-shaped tombs of the Tang Dynasty will be analyzed.All these reflect the range of use of this special tomb form in the Tang Dynasty and the rich multicultural connotation at that period which has great value for a comprehensive understanding of the mortuary culture in the Tang Dynasty society.