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Definition
Hanji
Hanji is the name of the handmade paper produced in ancient Korea from the 1st century BCE. Made from mulberry trees its exceptional quality made it a successful export, and it was widely used not only for writing but also interior walls...
Definition
Jang Bogo
Jang Bogo (aka Chang Pogo or Gungbok) was a powerful Korean warlord, naval commander, and merchant who came to monopolise maritime trade in northeast Asia to such a degree that he was known as the 'King of the Yellow Sea' during the first...
Article
Crossbows in Ancient Chinese Warfare
The crossbow was introduced into Chinese warfare during the Warring States period (481-221 BCE). Developing over the centuries into a more powerful and accurate weapon, the crossbow also came in versions light enough to be fired with one...
Article
Eunuchs in Ancient China
Eunuchs were powerful political players in ancient Chinese government. Originating as trusted slaves in the royal household they were ambitious to use their favoured position to gain political power. Advising the emperor from within the palace...
Article
Song of Everlasting Sorrow
The Song of Everlasting Sorrow is a narrative poem of the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE) inspired by the love affair between Xuanzong (r. 712-756 CE), the seventh emperor of the dynasty, and his consort Lady Yang. It was written by the Chinese...
Article
The Early Three Kingdoms Period
The Early Three Kingdoms Period in ancient China, from 184 CE to 190 CE for the purposes of this article, was one of the most turbulent in China's history. With an ailing Han government unable to control its empire, brutal localised wars...
Image
Tiangou, the Heavenly Dog
This painting depicts Chang Hsien shooting a bow at a heavenly dog.
Late Qing dynasty (19th century CE)
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Jade & Crystal Ornament
Jade, gilded bronze and rock crystal jewellery piece. 56 cm (length). Tang Dynasty, 669 CE. Excavated from the tomb of Liu Zhi (civil official), and his consort. Northwest University, Chang'an District, Xi'an. Shaanxi Provincial Institute...
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Tang Dynasty Vase
C. 600-634 CE. Porcelain. 25 cm (height). Excavated from the tomb of Princess Fengning (583-610 CE) and her husband Wei Yuanzhao (572-623 CE), Shaolingyuan, Chang'an District, Xi'an, 1990. From the Shaanxi Provincial Institute of Archaeology...
Video
Savitri and Satyavan: The Legend of the Princess who Outwitted Death - Iseult Gillespie
Dig into the tale of Princess Savitri and her one true love, Satyavan, and the tragic prophecy that entwined their fates forever. — Princess Savitri was benevolent, brilliant, and bright. Her grace was known throughout the land...