The textiles of the Han Dynasty & their relationship with society.

Abstract

The basis of this thesis is the textiles of the Han dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE). The textiles themselves deserve specific study, but this thesis takes an overarching view to discover how and why they were made so long ago, when every part of their construction and equipment was slower. These unique textiles enlighten present day researchers in many fields. Therefore, the overall aim of this study was to find out about the textiles and the people who made and used them. To do this, the thesis investigates the technology of spinning, weaving and dyeing, including the various processes involved. However, the most important aspect of the thesis is not just a technical study, but to place the textile into asocial to understand of why they were made, who were the artisans who made them as well as the various levels of society who wore them. A background of the Ancient China and the early Chinese people required investigation to be able to understand the importance of such highly sophisticated, technically sophisticated beautiful cloth. The social structure of the government and the beliefs of the people was needed to appreciate the textiles themselves. Textiles did not, and still do not, exist in a vacuum without giving clues of the lifestyle, structure of society, class systems as well as climate lifestyle and technology. Knowledge about these factors is diverse, so this thesis has used an inter-disciplinary approach from material culture, history, archaeology reproductions and visits to China to see the textiles and equipment still available from the past. China was very unusual as it did not just make textiles for clothing and other artefacts, but it was an integral part of the economy textiles. Textiles were one form of tax, making their manufacture different from other countries such as Rome, where textiles were a commercial product. Though most of the cloth made was for every daywear, it is the small percentage of cloth made for the highest section of society with so many unique features worthy of study. Therefore this thesis has been able to supply some of the answers to the questions of who were the people, what were the sources and how they actually made the cloth. The ability to dye and decorate such a utilitarian commodity two hundred years ago displays their wealth. The textiles are a mark of the society.. The importance of these textiles cannot be underestimated.