The Han Dynasty (206 B.C.E. - 220 C.E.)

After being torn apart by civil war following the death of Qin Shihuandgi, China was reunited with what would become the Hand Dynasty, which was split into two periods: the Western (206 B.C.E.-9 C.E) and the Eastern ( 25-220 C.E).  Many efforts were made during this time to unify and retain Chinese culture and society, after the oppressive, warring conditions of the preceding Qin dynasty. Thus, this dynasty was a time of lasting cultural discovery. The Confucian standards that structured the social culture remained ingrained in Chinese culture into the modern era. The goal to make ties with other empires led to the development of the Silk Road, an extensive trade route that stretched as far as Rome. The invention of lead-based glazes aided in more complex and diverse methods of pottery-making. Han funeral arrangements were an extensive, heavily cultural affair. Stone paintings that covered these paintings were as unique and distinctive as the bronze work of the Shang and Zhou Dynasties. Overall, the political and cultural development and stability of this period, led it to being the one of the four great dynasties of Ancient China.

 

This female figure is a classic example of Han sculpture. Female Dancer, Western Han dynasty 2nd century B.C.E. source

 This mortuary vessel, known as a hu, is decorated with the animated drama of a blue beast with bared fangs lunging at a mounted archer. On the other side, a long, striding tiger.This piece encapsulated the confident artistry of the Han period, and their work in painting at it's best.

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Equestrian soldier. Earthenware with pigment. 2nd century B.C.E. source

Many  painted, robed figures such as this piece were made, many of which were excavated from the Han Yangling Mausoleum, which illustrated the intricate care that was taken into burial. Each was unique in its facial expression, hairstyle, clothing, and color scheme. They are intricate, and idealistic depictions of life. source

Sculptures such as these were heavily inspired by the style of the proceeding Qin dynasty. Despite only being two thirds of real size, each human figure is perfectly proportioned, showing the skill and level of attention paid to the work by their talented Han sculptors. source

Intricate animal sculptures such as these depicted in this image and the one below served as meet storage in the Han Yangling mausoleum, reflecting the lavish lifestyle of Han royals, and societies in Chinese husbandry. source

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 The stringed instrument in this artifact was apparently a per-cursor to the zither, an important East Asian instrument. Se player,1st century B.C.E.–1st century C.E.
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Method and styles of pottery-making varied all across Han China. Different parts of China were familiar with different kinds of glazes. Artisan were specific about the look of the final product, tinting with color, or going for the appearance of bronze. Some styles of pottery were associated more with depiction of daily life, and others were specifically for funerals.
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