Ancient China

Qin and Han Dynasties

(221 BC–220 AD)

I. The Unified Empire

After centuries of wars between rival states, China entered a new era of unification under one empire beginning in the Qin and Han Dynasties. During this period, the emperor had supreme power over a centralized government led by “three statesmen and nine ministers” (but not limited to nine). At the local level, a system of jun (prefectures) and xian (counties) was introduced. The establishment of a centralized political system had a profound impact on later political development in China.

Bronze Tiger Tally of Yangling Mausoleum
Qin Dynasty (221-206BC?)

Bian Nian Ji (Annals) on Bamboo Slips
Qin Dynasty (221-206BC?)

Terra-cotta Figures
Qin Dynasty (221–206 BC)

Terra-cotta Horse
Qin Dynasty (221–206 BC)

Bronze Shu (weapon)
Qin Dynasty (221-206BC?)

Pottery Liang ( measuring utensil )
Qin Dynasty (221-206BC?)

Iron Weight
Qin Dynasty (221-206BC?)

Bronze Plate with Imperial Edicts by Two Qin Emperors
Qin Dynasty (221–206 BC)

“Ban Liang” (half-tael) Bronze Coins
Qin Dynasty (221–206 BC)

Painted Terra-cotta Infantry and Cavalry
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)

Roof Tile-end with Inscription
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)

Jade Shroud Fastened with Gold Threads
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)

Bronze Mirror with Inscription
Xin Dynasty, 2nd year of Shijianguo Era ( 10AD )

Bronze Coins
Xin Dynasty (8–23 AD)

“Guobao Jinkui Zhiwan” Bronze Coin
Xin Dynasty (8–23 AD)

Bronze Measuring Utensil
Xin Dynasty (8–23 AD)

Bronze Ring-shaped Quan (weight)
Xin Dynasty, 1st year of Shijianguo Era ( 9AD )

Pottery Buqu Soldier
Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD)

Inscribed Stone Tablet from Langya

Qin Dynasty, 28th year of Emperor Qinshihuang’s reign (219 BC)
Bronze Measuring Utensil

Qin Dynasty (221–206 BC)
Melon-shaped Bronze Weight

Qin Dynasty (221–206 BC)
Roof Tile-end

Qin Dynasty (221–206 BC)
Roof Tile-end

Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)

“Wu Zhu” Bronze Coins Made by Sanguan

Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)
Yi Li (Rituals) Written on Wooden Slips

Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)
Jade Mask

Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)
Jade Pillow

Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)
Jade Dragon

Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)

Wall-written Imperial Edict on Taboos in Four Seasons Western Han Dynasty, 5th year of Yuanshi Era (5 AD)
Travelling Procession with Chariots and Horses (replica)

After mural panting unearthed from Eastern Han tomb at Anping, Hebei Province
Green-glazed Pottery Tower

Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD)
Pottery Fort

Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD)

II. Economy and Daily Life

During the Qin and Han Dynasties, a system for increasing agricultural production gradually emerged. Inventions like water-powered bellows, pedal loom, and other new technologies sped up innovations in the handicraft industry. With social and economic development, everyday life became richer and more colourful.

Pottery Well with Pulley and Water Trough
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)

Stone Paddy Field and Pond
Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD)

Painted Pottery Granary
Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD)

Bronze Sword
Qin Dynasty ( 221-206BC?)

Iron Halberd
Western Han Dynasty ( 202BC-8AD )

Steel Sword with Inscription
Eastern Han Dynasty, 6th year of Yongchu Era (112 AD)

Painted Bronze Lamp in the Shape of Goose Carrying Fish
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)

Bronze Hu (wine vessel) Inlaid with Gold and Silver
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)

Rhinoceros-shaped Bronze Zun (wine vessel) with Gold-and-silver-inlaid Cloud Design
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)

Gilded Bronze Zun (wine vessel) with Bird and Animal Design
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)

Bronze Ge (dagger-axe) with Gold Decoration and Bronze Sheath
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)

U-shaped Lacquer Box with Silver Mount
Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD)

Painted Pottery Hu (vessel) with Dragon and Tiger Design
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)

Celadon Jar with Four Handles
Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD)

Embroidered Silk
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)

Coloured Gauze with Printed Pattern
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)

Pottery Hempseed Granary
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)

Pottery Pigpen
Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD)

Pottery Stove
Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD)

Hollow Brick with Dragon Design
Qin Dynasty (221–206 BC)

Roof Tile-end
Qin Dynasty (221–206 BC)

Green-glazed Pottery Water Pavilion
Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD)

Pottery Three-sided Courtyard House
Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD)

Bear-shaped Gilded Bronze Mat Weights
Han Dynasty (202 BC–220 AD)

Pottery Boat
Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD)

Brick Relief with Wine-brewing Scene
Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD)

Brick Relief with Harvesting, Fishing, and Hunting Scene
Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD)

Brick Relief with Market Scene
Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD)

Brick Relief with Courtyard Residence
Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD)

Brick Relief with Horse-drawn Carriage
Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD)

Iron Ploughshare with Mouldboard

Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)
Five-pronged Iron Harrow

Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)
Seed Plough (model)
Pottery Blast Pipe

Han Dynasty (206 BC–220 AD)
Water-powered Bellows for Blast Furnace (model)
Iron Lamp with Twelve Branches

Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD)
Oval Lacquer Box with Silver Mount

Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD)
Rectangular Lacquer Box with Silver Mount

Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD)
Jade Huang (semicircle)

Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)
Jade Huang (semicircle)

Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)
Jade Huang (semicircle)

Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)
Jade Bi (disc)

Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)
Green-glazed Pottery Hu (wine or grain container)

Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD)
Green-glazed Pottery Bu (wine or water container) with Animal-shaped Handles

Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)
Celadon Bu (wine or water container)

Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD)

Celadon Cup

Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD)
Embroidered Silk

Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)
Brocade Sock with Auspicious Chinese Characters

Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD)
Brocade Shoe

Han Dynasty (202 BC–220 AD)
Sachet Embroidered with Coloured Cloud Design

Han Dynasty (202 BC–220 AD)
Brocade Sachet with Auspicious Characters

Han Dynasty (202 BC–220 AD)
Pottery Soybean Granary

Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)
Pottery Millet Granary

Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)
Pottery Barley Granary

Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)
Pottery Polished Rice Granary

Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)
Stone Pig and Piglets

Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)
Green-glazed Pottery Sheepfold

Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD)
Bronze Stove and Winged Bowl

Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)
Pottery Figure with Mortar and Pestle

Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD)
Pottery Cooking Figure

Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD)

Pottery Figure Serving Food

Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD)
Pottery Figure with Broom and Dustpan

Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD)
Pottery Figure with Pots

Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD)
Green-glazed Pottery Tower

Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD)
Deer-shaped Bronze Mat Weight Mounted with Shell

Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)
Pottery Cart

Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD)
Pottery Cart

Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD)
Wheelbarrow (model)
Brick Relief with Salt-mining Scene

Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD)
Brick Relief with Grove of Tung Trees

Brick Relief with Grove of Tung Trees
Brick Relief with Rice-husking Scene

Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD)
Brick Relief with Kitchen Scene

Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD)
Stone Carving with Ox-ploughing Scene

Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD)
Stone Carving with Iron-smelting Scene

Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD)
Stone Carving with Spinning and Weaving Scene
Stone Carving with Spinning and Weaving Scene

III. Science and Culture

During the Qin and Han Dynasties, there were many important scientific and cultural achievements. The invention of paper created a revolutionary new writing material. In other areas like astronomy, the calendar, seismology, and medicine, China led the world. In the Han Dynasty, Confucianism was adopted as the dominant ideology. Famous historians like Sima Qian (145 BC–?) and Ban Gu (32–92 AD) pioneered in biographical and dynastic history respectively. Folk songs, sanwen (prose), and fu (rhyme prose) of the Han provide rich information about this period.

Paper from Hantanpo with Chinese Characters
Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD)

Pinecone-shaped Ink Stick
Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD)

Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD)
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)

Gold-inlaid Iron Scraper
Eastern Han Dynasty, 7th year of Guanghe Era (?184AD?)

Sundial
Han Dynasty (202 BC–220 AD)

Gold Acupuncture Needle
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)

Bronze Medical Basin with Inscription
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)

Pottery Figure
Qin Dynasty (221–206 BC)

Pottery Story-teller Beating a Drum
Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD)

Brick Relief with Acrobatic Performance
Han Dynasty (202 BC–220 AD)

Brick Relief with Performers
Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD)

Painted Stone Figure on Horse
Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD)

Fragment of Xiping Stone Classics Stele
Eastern Han Dynasty, 4th year of Xiping Era to 1st year of Guanghe Era (175–183 AD)

Pottery Dancer
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)

Wooden Monkey
Eastern Han Dynasty (?25-220AD?)

Paper from Maquanwan
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)
Paper from Jinguan
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)
Paper from Fufeng
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)
Writing Brush

Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)
Ink, Inkstone, and Grindstone
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)

Rabbit-shaped Bronze Dropper
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)
Iron Scraper
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)
Bronze Water Clock
Western Han Dynasty, 2nd year of Heping Era (27 BC)
Lead Counting Rods
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)
Stone Carving with Acupuncture Scene
Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD)

Silk Painting IllustratingPhysical Exercises (replica)
Stone Bixie (mythical beast)
Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD)
Leopard-shaped Stone Mat Weight
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)

IV. Ethnic Cultures

During the Qin and Han Dynasties, apart from the Han people who populated the Central Plains, there were the Xiongnu people in the north, the Wuhuan and Xianbei peoples in the northeast, the Western Regions peoples, the Baiyue people in the southeast and far south, and the Xi’nanyi people in the southwest. Diverse ethnic cultures contributed to the development of a multi-ethnic country.

Bone Ornament with Hunting Scene
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)

Openwork Bronze Buckle Ornament with Two Camels
Western Han Dynasty (?202BC-8AD?)

Bronze Seal
Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD)

Bronze Wristlet
Han Dynasty (202 BC–220 AD)

Gilded Bronze Plaque with Mythical Beast
Han Dynasty (202 BC–220 AD)

Four Joined Pottery Jars
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)

Bronze Drum with “Wu Zhu” Coin Design
Han Dynasty (202 BC–220 AD)

Gold Seal for King of Dian Kingdom
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)

Bronze Cowrie Container with Sacrificial Ceremony Scene
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)

Bronze Cowrie Container with Weaving Scene
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)

Bronze Cowrie Container with Tiger-shaped Handles and Seven Oxen
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)

Bronze Cowrie Container with Figures Paying Tribute
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)

Gilded Bronze Buckle Ornament with Four Dancers
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)

Bronze Spearhead with Hanging Figures
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)

Bronze Pillow
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)

Bronze Belt Hook with Three Musicians
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)
Bronze Belt Hook in the Shape of Figure on Horse
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)
Bronze Fu (cooking vessel)
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)
Ox-shaped Bronze Ornament
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)
Bronze Ornament with Paired Goats
Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD)
Bronze Plaque with Mounted Warriors
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)
Horse-shaped Bronze Ornament
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)
Iron Sword with Bronze Handle
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)
String of Beads
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)
Bronze Seal
Han Dynasty (202 BC–220 AD)

Paddle-shaped Wooden Marker
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)
Felt Hat
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)
Oxhide Boots
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)
Feather Hat Accessory
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)
Wooden Wool Carder
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)
Wooden Comb
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)
Gourd-shaped Pottery Pot
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)
Pottery Pail

Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)
Pottery Container with Three Legs
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)
Yue-style Bronze Ding (food container)
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)

Bronze Hu (wine vessel) with Chains
Han Dynasty (202 BC–220 AD)
Bronze Drum with Winged Figure Design
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)
Gold Seal
Han Dynasty (202 BC–220 AD)
Bronze Chunyu (percussion instrument) with Tiger-shaped Handle
Han Dynasty (202 BC–220 AD)
Bronze Male Figure Holding an Umbrella
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)
Bronze Buckle Ornament with Monkey Procession
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)
Bronze Buckle Ornament with Monkey Procession
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)
Bronze Dagger with Monkey-shaped Handle
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)

V. Foreign Relations

In the Qin and Han Dynasties, China enjoyed a new era of foreign trade and cultural exchange. Zhang Qian’s two diplomatic missions to the Western Regions during the Western Han opened a land route from the capital Chang’an extending westward to Central and West Asia. Merchants carried exquisite Chinese silks along this road to the west and exotic western goods travelled to China in return. This route later became known as the Silk Road. Trade and cultural exchange with neighbouring countries was further enhanced by the opening of southwest land routes to present-day Myanmar and India, in addition to maritime routes from present-day Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan to India and Sri Lanka.

Green Glass Cup
Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD)

Zhang Qian Travelling to the Western Regions (replica)
Envoys from Sogdiana Written on Wooden Slips
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)

Fragments of Stone Well Railing with Kharosthi Script
Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD)
Bronze Coin with Chinese and Kharosthi Scripts
Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD)

Blue Glass Bowls
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–8 AD)