Unification of Sub-Regional Systems by the Han Dynasty Viewed through Analysis of Seals with Turtle-Shaped Knob

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24520810
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Asian history
• Research Institution: Chuo University
• Principal Investigator: ABE YUKINOBU 中央大学, 文学部, 教授 (60346731)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: 亀鈕 / 漢印 / 地域性 / 南方文化

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study aims to consider the process of unification of sub-regional systems by the Han dynasty from the angle of official seal systems, especially a system of turtle-shaped seal knobs. Turtle-shaped knobs of the Han derived their origin from the Chu culture. They were formally adopted into the official seal system of the Han under the reign of Wu-di. In the 1st century BC, a form of turtle-shaped knob was completed under the influence of the idea of a turtle as the emblems of the way of a loyal subject. The Han dynasty established its new original systems by naturalizing sub-regional cultures and systems in this way.

Free Research Field

中国古代史