The underground luxury of a Western Han Marquis: major discoveries from the tomb of the Marquis of Haihun in Nanchang

Abstract

The archaeological excavation of the Western Han Tomb of the Marquis of Haihun in Nanchang, carried out from 2011 to 2015, contributes greatly to the study of Western Han archaeology, history, and material culture. This paper is an introduction and initial discussion of the results of the excavation. The paper consists of four major parts: the first part introduces the advanced “first-class excavation, first-class conservation, and first-class exhibition” and the theoretical framework of the excavation and its execution; the second part provides an overview of the tomb of the Marquis of Haihun, the cemetery, and relevant sites in the surrounding areas within the larger scope of Han Dynasty archaeology; the third part includes an introduction and preliminary analysis of the excavated objects, in particular the bamboo slips and wooden tablets, musical instruments, chariots and chariot fittings, bronze artifacts, gold artifacts, jade artifacts, and lacquer pieces; and the fourth part, based on historical records, discusses the archaeological findings in light of the Marquis of Haihun’s personal experience and the historical background of his time.