Archaeological Observations on Modular Production during the Han Dynasty
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Yunxiang Bai
Abstract
This article explores modular production in ancient China, focusing on the Han dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE). Modular production, a method simplifying complex processes into manageable segments for efficient assembly, has deep historical roots in China. Despite its importance, this method remains not well studied in Chinese academia. The article defines modular production and examines its application in Han dynasty artifacts, particularly through the case study of Maituo pottery figurines from Wushan County, Chongqing Municipality. It also analyzes the use of modular techniques in creating funerary objects and utilitarian items, including vehicles and bronze utensils. The research highlights the widespread adoption of modular production in both government and private sectors during the Han dynasty, emphasizing its role in enhancing product quality and efficiency. This study offers insights into the technological and organizational aspects of ancient Chinese manufacturing, underscoring the advanced nature of Han dynasty craftsmanship and its impact on later production methods.
Postscript
The original article 汉代模块化生产的考古学观察 was published in Kaogu 考古 (Archaeology) 2022.11: 107–120 with six figures and 76 notes. The English version, translated by Tao Li 李涛, has removed the notes.
Further Reading
Ledderose, Lothar. Ten Thousand Things: Module and Mass Production in Chinese Art. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2001.10.1515/9780691252889Search in Google Scholar
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Articles in the same Issue
- Frontmatter
- Theoretical Studies
- Archaeological Insights into the Distinctive Features of Chinese Civilization and Their Historical Logic
- Fieldwork Reports
- The Paleolithic Mengxihe Site in Ziyang, Sichuan
- The Neolithic Keqiutou Site Cluster in Pingtan, Fujian
- The Ancient Paddy Fields at the Shi’ao Site in Yuyao, Zhejiang
- The Neolithic Qujialing Site in Jingmen, Hubei
- Large Wooden Structure F63 at the Neolithic Jijiaocheng Site in Lixian, Hunan
- The Shang Dynasty Zhaigou Site in Qingjian, Shaanxi
- Tang–Song Period Jingjiao Monastery Remains at the Xipang Site in Turpan, Xinjiang
- Research Articles
- Microblade Technology, Population Dynamics, and Behavioral Evolution in Terminal Pleistocene North China
- Recent Advances in the Study of Austronesian Origins and Dispersal from an Archaeological Perspective
- Late Shang Zoomorphic Jade Objects and Implications of Their Diffusion
- “Tribute” and Sacrifice: Scene-Specific Bronzes at Sanxingdui
- Archaeological Observations on Modular Production during the Han Dynasty
- Archaeological Science
- A Study of Liangzhu Period Chinese Bayberry (Myrica rubra) Remains from the Shi’ao Site
