This group of objects from Han dynasty (202 BCE–220 CE), and Sui dynasty (581–618 CE) should be analyzed in much the same way one would approach a written document. Consider function and purpose. Why were they created, for what purpose, and what do they reveal to us about ancient Chinese society?
Pottery Dog
Figure 1: Pottery dog (Han dynasty). Escultura perro China Han by Hispalois is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Escultura_perro_China_Han.JPG)
Cash Coins
Figure 2: Cash coins (Han dynasty). 五铢钱 海昏侯国遗址2 by 三猎 is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:%E4%BA%94%E9%93%A2%E9%92%B1_%E6%B5%B7%E6%98%8F%E4%BE%AF%E5%9B%BD%E9%81%97%E5%9D%802.jpg)
Pipa Player
Figure 3: Pipa player (Sui dynasty). Dynasty pipa player by Pratyeka is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sui_dynasty_pipa_player_.jpg)
Questions for Discussion
What did these artifacts make you think about? Did one draw your attention more than the others? If so, why?
