Art of the Dian Kingdom

Dian was a region in Yunnan, southwestern China, inhabited by a non-Han people. The Dian Kingdom, however, was founded in 279 BC by a Chin general who was sent to conquer the place, but, having conquered it, decided to keep it for himself. This state lasted until 109 BC, when it was absorbed by the Han Empire. The royal and noble tombs of that dynasty have yielded a wonderful array of bronze artifacts. Most of these are in the Yunnan Provincial Museum, which, to judge from the quality of most of the photographs online, is one of the world's most dismally lit museums. But we make do. I especially love the animals that adorn many of these objects.

These containers were full of cowrie shells, which served as money in that part of the world.

Some of these cowrie containers had lids with amazing scenes of human figures. Above, a battle.

Cloth workers under the eye of an official.

The museum signage says this is a scene of human sacrifice, but I don't really see it.

Jade suit of one of the Dian rulers, and his sword.

More animals. The thing at the top of this group is a head rest for a corpse, which wikipedia translates as "pillow."

Who says replacing human servants with robots is a new idea?

A ceremonial spear with two dangling captives.

Some of the small bronze figures in these compositions are delightful.

Jewelry. You can see what I mean about the light.

Sorry, no idea.

And more amazing bulls. I knew nothing about any of this until yesterday. Between this discovery and taking my youngest daughter off to start college, this has been a good week.