Mawangdui T-shaped
Silk Banner
Length:205cm
Width: 47.7 -92cm
Material:fine brown silk
Historical Significance
The T-shaped silk banner integrates mythology, fantasy and the secular world into one intricate, exquisite artwork. It embodies the Han people's imagination and understanding of the universe and life, serving as a key to decoding the ancient people's cosmic and life views during the Qin and Han dynasties, and providing critical evidence for the study of Han Dynasty views on life and death, as well as soul theories.
Content Scope
Celestial Realm: In the upper right corner is a red sun. In the upper left corner is the moon surrounded by Chang'e, the jade rabbit and the toad. Between the sun and the moon, human-headed Heavenly Emperor sits with loose hair, surrounded by a long red tail. Mortal World: The upper layer shows the tomb occupant Xin Zhui in elegant robes. The lower layer presents the sacrificial scene for her. Netherworld: A barefoot giant stands on giant whales, holding up the earth with both palms, surrounded by aquatic monsters and giant fishes.
Excavation Dates
Unearthed in 1972 from the first Han tomb at Mawangdui in Changsha, now permanently collected in Hunan Museum.