Volume ,Issue
A Re-examination of the Periodization of Yuan-Dynasty Tomb Murals in China — A Case Study of the Yuan-Dynasty Mural Tomb at Xiatujing, Xiaoyi, Shanxi
The periodization of Yuan Dynasty mural tombs in China has long been a vaguely defined area of study. In recent years, with the increase in tomb excavations, the chronological framework of Yuan mural tombs has gradually become clearer. This paper takes the Yuan Dynasty mural tomb at Xiatujing in Xiaoyi, Shanxi, as a case study to re-examine the issue of periodization in Yuan tomb murals. By comparing existing periodization studies and analyzing the mural content, costumes, and tomb chamber features of this tomb, it is assigned to the early Yuan period. Furthermore, the paper proposes a four-stage periodization for Yuan mural tombs: the Mongol period, early Yuan, middle Yuan, and late Yuan. The conclusion emphasizes that the periodization of Yuan tomb murals must integrate multiple factors, including political changes, regional characteristics, and ethnic integration.
[1] Zhang XD, 2011, A Periodization of Mongol Mural Tombs in the Mongol–Yuan Period. Huaxia Archaeology, (02): 106–113.
[2] Wang X, 2018, A Historical Study of Chinese Tomb Chamber Murals. Science Press, 279–298.
[3] Li ZA, 2009, A Study on the Influence of Mongol Culture on the Han Chinese in the Yuan Dynasty. Historical Research, (01): 24–50 + 190.
[4] Shi Y, Wang X, 2023, A Spatial Study of the Relics of Chinese Tomb Murals. Religions, 14: 166.
[5] Xie XG, 1960, Preliminary Report on the Excavation of Jin- and Yuan-Dynasty Tombs at Xiatujing and Liangjiazhuang, Xiaoyi, Shanxi. Archaeology, (07): 57–61 + 11–15.
[6] Ma S, Duan PT, Wang J, et al., 1991, Preliminary Report on the Excavation of a Jin-Dynasty Tomb in Fenyang, Shanxi. Cultural Relics, (12): 16–32 + 103–105.
[7] Yang FD, 1986, Jin-Dynasty Brick-Carved and Mural Tombs in Wenxi County, Shanxi Province. Cultural Relics, (12): 36–46 + 105–106.
[8] Xu GJ, 2012, Complete Collection of Unearthed Chinese Murals, Vol. 2: Shanxi. Science Press, 191.
[9] Xiang CS, 1983, A Yuan-Dynasty Mural Tomb at Yuanbaoshan, Chifeng City, Inner Mongolia. Cultural Relics, (04): 40–46 + 97 + 102.
[10] Li XC, 1988, Chronological Record of Events since the Jianyan Reign, Vol. 28. Zhonghua Book Company, 560.
[11] Xue YX, 2007, A Study of the “Kaifang Banquet” Motif in Tombs of the Song, Liao, Jin, and Yuan Periods (Doctoral dissertation, Sichuan University), 40–48.
[12] Qin DS, 2004, Archaeology of the Song, Yuan, and Ming Dynasties. Cultural Relics Press, 226–227.