Seeing Dian Through Barbarian Eyes

Abstract

The Late Bronze Age burial sites to the Dian lakes of Yunnan, are known for the originality, wealth and variety of their bronze artefacts. This paper examines some published images in an attempt to understand some of the concerns of the Dian artisans and their patrons. It discusses two sorts of images: realistic ones of cattle and schematic images of jungle fauna. It also suggests that there was a transfer of decoration between bronze, textile, and possibly other media.