Spirit of Han: Ceramics for the After-Life (English and Mandarin Chinese Edition)

Regarded along with the Tang dynasty as a watershed of cultural activity, value systems and socio-political structures, the Han dynasty continues to fascinate scholars, anthropologists, historians, ceramicists and art enthusiasts all over the world. Han ceramics has been constantly studied, discussed and updated, with new archaeological finds in China. During the Han dynasty, ceramics were used for practical as well as ritual purposes. This catalog focuses on the ceramics made as tomb furnishings, or mingqi, and illustreats over 200 rare Han dynasty tomb artifacts, classifying, dating and fully describing each, thus, shedding light on an interesting aspect of Han culture and artistry. Also includes essays on related subjects by leading ceramicists, scholars and historians. Table of Contents: The Dynasty Rulers of the Imperial Han Dynasty Providing for Life in the Other World Han Dynasty China Han Ceramics in Indonesia Mingqi and Other Tomb Furnishings as a Reflection of Han Society and Culture The Interchange of Motifs and the Development of Realism in the Decorative Arts of the Han Tall Pottery Towers and Their Archaeological Contexts The Splendour of Han Pottery The Catalogue Glossary