7.4 Development of Figural Representation in Sculpture and Painting

The Han Dynasty marked a shift from abstract to naturalistic representations in Chinese art. Sculptors developed techniques for creating realistic human forms, while painters mastered the art of fluid contours and vibrant colors. These advancements reflected the era's cultural and spiritual beliefs.

Figural representation in Han art was influenced by Confucian and Daoist ideologies, as well as folk beliefs. Artists portrayed social hierarchies, historical events, and mythical beings. This unique blend of realism and symbolism set Han Dynasty art apart from other ancient civilizations.

Figural Representation in Han Dynasty Sculpture

Evolution of Sculptural Techniques

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• Han Dynasty (202 BCE - 220 CE) marked transition from abstract forms to naturalistic representations in Chinese figural sculpture
• Early Han figural sculptures found primarily in tomb contexts reflected afterlife beliefs
• Invention of mingqi ("spirit objects") led to production of small-scale ceramic figurines (humans and animals) for burial purposes
• Sculptors developed techniques for creating more realistic human forms
  • Improved proportions
  • Detailed facial features
  • Dynamic poses
• Terracotta warriors of First Emperor Qin Shi Huang significantly influenced Han figural sculpture development

Advancements in Sculptural Forms

• Eastern Han period saw creation of large-scale stone reliefs depicting historical and mythological scenes
• Evolution culminated in freestanding stone figures (Wu Family Shrines) demonstrating mastery of three-dimensional form
• Sculptors explored various materials including bronze, jade, and lacquer for figural representations
• Development of hollow figurines allowed for more intricate and lightweight designs
• Introduction of glazing techniques enhanced the visual appeal and durability of ceramic sculptures

Techniques and Styles of Han Dynasty Figure Paintings

Artistic Mediums and Techniques

• Figure paintings appeared on silk, lacquer objects, and wall murals in tombs and palaces
• Artists employed line (bimo) as fundamental technique creating fluid contours for human forms and clothing
• Color application involved flat washes of mineral pigments
• Shading and modeling achieved through linear techniques rather than tonal gradation
• "Floating silk" technique (qingfeng) developed allowing artists to create sense of transparency and movement in flowing robes
• Incorporation of calligraphic elements influenced rendering of human forms

Compositional Strategies and Styles

• Use of registers to depict narrative scenes in paintings
• Arrangement of figures conveyed social hierarchies
• "Eastern Han Figure Painting" from Mawangdui exemplifies sophisticated style of period
  • Features elegant, elongated figures
  • Detailed costume depictions
• Development of "line-and-color" technique combining precise outlines with vibrant pigments
• Experimentation with perspective and spatial relationships in multi-figure compositions
• Emphasis on gesture and posture to convey emotion and narrative in figure paintings

Religious and Philosophical Influence on Figural Representation

Confucian and Daoist Influences

• Confucian ideology emphasized social order and filial piety
  • Influenced portrayal of figures in hierarchical arrangements
  • Depicted scenes of ancestor worship
• Daoist concepts of immortality and longevity reflected in mythical beings and supernatural landscapes
• Concept of yin and yang influenced balance and composition of figural scenes
• Emphasis on historical documentation led to narrative figure paintings of important events and exemplary individuals

Spiritual and Folk Beliefs

• Introduction of Buddhism towards end of Han Dynasty began influencing figural representation
• Afterlife beliefs shaped creation of tomb figurines and funerary art
  • Wide range of figural representations (servants, musicians, warriors)
• Shamanic practices and folk beliefs contributed to depiction of spirits, demons, and protective deities
• Incorporation of auspicious symbols and mythical creatures in figural compositions
• Representation of immortals and transcendent beings in both sculpture and painting

Han Dynasty Figural Representation vs Other Ancient Civilizations

Stylistic Comparisons

• Han Dynasty figural representation tended towards naturalistic depiction of everyday people and activities unlike idealized forms of ancient Greek sculpture
• Narrative relief sculptures of Han Dynasty share similarities with Roman historical reliefs
  • Both commemorated important events and individuals
• Han Dynasty art showed clear evolution towards greater naturalism and individuality unlike rigid conventions of Egyptian art
• Use of terracotta figures in Han tombs parallels practices in other ancient cultures (Egyptian shabti figures) with distinct stylistic differences

Cultural and Artistic Innovations

• Han Dynasty initially focused on smaller-scale works before developing larger stone reliefs unlike monumental stone sculptures of ancient Mesopotamia
• Integration of text and image in Han Dynasty figure paintings and reliefs comparable to ancient Maya art practices
• Han Dynasty's artistic innovations part of continuous Chinese artistic tradition
  • Built upon and refined earlier Warring States and Qin Dynasty styles
• Development of unique glazing techniques for ceramic figures set Han Dynasty apart from contemporaneous civilizations
• Emphasis on narrative and historical documentation in figural art distinguished Han Dynasty from purely religious or royal-focused art of some other ancient cultures