The Use and Social Context of Glass Vessels in Early Medieval China

Both imported and locally produced glass vessels have been uncovered in funerary sites from the Jin (266~420 AD) and Northern Wei (386~535 AD) Dynasties. The ruling houses of these two societies came from quite different ethnic and cultural backgrounds and yet glass vessels were used in both societies. Taking a multi-faceted approach this thesis examines how glass, and specifically glass vessels, fit into the material culture and world view of these two contrasting cultures. Utilising archaeological data, primarily from Chinese excavation reports, the types and placement of glass vessels within funerary contexts from both dynasties is examined. This evidence is reviewed in the light of historical texts in the Jin Dynasty, which give insights into how glass vessels were used and viewed in this period. For the Northern Wei differing, but complimentary, strands of evidence are examined, including more limited historical texts, data from a Buddhist religious site and evidence for local production of glass vessels; strands of evidence not available for the Jin dynasty. The thesis has found that to some extent glass vessels follow a similar pattern of use in both societies, where they functioned predominantly as drinking vessels for elites. However, their contrasting cultural outlooks and ethnic identities meant that glass vessels were viewed and also, in some cases, used quite differently both dynasties. The literate aristocracy of the Jin Dynasty praised glass in prose and poetry for its unique material properties. This is contrasted in Northern Wei society, where imported glass vessels were treasured as exotic luxuries and symbols of status, while indigenously produced glass was used to supply both the secular and religious needs of the imperial palace.