Social Life in Murals: An Analysis of Han and Tang Painting Styles from the Perspective of Tomb Archaeology

Abstract

This study investigates the social life depicted in Han and Tang dynasty murals through an interdisciplinary approach that integrates archaeological analysis with quantitative methodologies. Data were sourced from archaeological excavations, focusing on mural paintings from tombs in key Chinese provinces such as Shaanxi, Henan, and Sichuan. The murals were systematically categorized by theme, location, and dynasty, and subjected to rigorous image and quantitative analysis using bespoke mathematical formulas. These formulas quantified elements including frequency, spatial distribution, and proportion, as well as thematic correlation and stylistic similarity. The findings reveal distinct patterns: Tang dynasty murals demonstrate higher frequencies of human figures and objects, more complex spatial distributions, and elevated overall impact scores compared to Han dynasty murals. This comprehensive analysis illuminates the artistic styles and cultural practices of these pivotal periods in Chinese history, thereby highlighting the evolution of social representation in ancient Chinese art.