Vol. 2026 No. 3 (2026)
Articles

Research on Han dynasty stone reliefs and the culture of swords in ancient China

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  • Jie Li
Jie Li
China Art Academy, No. 1A Huixin Beili, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China

Published 29-05-2026

Keywords

  • Han Dynasty stone reliefs,
  • ancient China,
  • sword culture, research

Copyright (c) 2026 Cambridge Arts and Humanities Research

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

Abstract

To study the culture of swords in ancient China, this research employs field investigations and literature review to collect and organize rubbings of Han Dynasty stone reliefs that depict sword-related cultural content. By analyzing these materials alongside historical records, the study explores the culture of swords in ancient China and the spirit of the era it embodies. Findings: The Sword of Integrity illustrates the virtue of upholding trust and righteousness praised in ancient Chinese society; the Sword of Fashion reveals the widespread popularity of wearing swords in ancient China; the Sword of Defense underscores the significant role of swords in personal protection; the Sword of Loyalty fully demonstrates principles and beliefs in loyalty, trust, and righteousness, which were celebrated and advocated in a society deeply influenced by Confucian culture; the Sword of Brotherhood showcases the courage and friendship of sacrificing one’s life for righteousness, reflecting the chivalrous spirit highly esteemed during the Warring States, Qin, and Han periods; and the Sword of Performance and the Sword of Combat highlight the profundity of swordsmanship and the refinement of its techniques.

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