Title: Unveiling the Reasons Behind the Four Thousand Treasures of the Lady of Jin
— An Interview with Tian Jianwen, Researcher at the Shanxi Provincial Archaeological Research Institute
By Yang Jieying, China News Service
The recent discoveries at the Beizhao Tombs in Quwo, Shanxi, shed light on the grandeur of the burial sites of ten Lady Jin, revealing the transition of the Jin state from its modest roots in the early Western Zhou period to a powerful regional entity during the Spring and Autumn period. Notably, the tombs of the wives of Duke Mu of Jin and Duke Jing of Jin contained over 4,000 funerary items. Why are these ladies considered to possess “Four Thousand Treasures”? What stories lie behind these remarkable findings? In a recent interview with China News Service’s “Eastern and Western Queries,” researcher Tian Jianwen offers his insights.
**China News Service:** What are the similarities and differences in burial customs, designs, and artifacts between the tombs of the ten Lady Jin at the Beizhao site?
**Tian Jianwen:** Firstly, all 19 individuals—nine dukes and their ten wives—were interred in extended limb burial practices. However, the positioning between husband and wife varied: in the early Western Zhou, the male was placed to the west and the female to the east. By the mid-Western Zhou era, this arrangement flipped. This shift indicates a significant change in gender perceptions and marital relations in line with Zhou-era rites.
Secondly, during the Zhou period, rituals were paramount, evident through the funerary bronze and jade vessels.Bronze tripods signified status, and dukes typically had more items buried with them, particularly in the late Western Zhou. While dukes favored bronze plates and vessels, their wives often had different styles, like jade and stone artifacts which reflect their distinct roles. Instruments such as chime stones and bronze tools were found only in the dukes’ tombs.
Lastly, pottery and early ceramics, as well as lacquerware, were predominantly associated with the ladies, indicating a difference in their burial practices. While the dukes often had singular clay tripods, their wives’ tombs featured a variety of vessels, including large round pots and three-legged urns.
**China News Service:** From the funerary objects found in the ladies’ tombs, how does one interpret the Jin state’s evolution from its early territorial limits of “the east of the He and Fen rivers” to becoming a formidable power?
**Tian Jianwen:** In this context, “Lady” specifically refers to the wives of lords. Many dukes married women from the Qi state. For example, Duke Mu of Jin’s wife was a Qi woman and birthed heirs, while Duke Wen also took a Qi lady. Over time, as Jin’s power grew, the perception of its rulers changed. By the fifth generation, the tomb of Duke Jing of Jin featured significant items, including a vessel inscribed “Duke Xi’s treasure,” linking back to earlier historical figures and showcasing the changing dynamics.
The tombs reflect a blend of local customs and the adoption of external influences, revealing how these women played crucial roles in expanding Jin’s status.
**China News Service:** Why does the secondary wife of Duke Mu possess an extraordinary burial scale and an impressive 4,280 items? What’s the story behind this?
**Tian Jianwen:** Duke Mu and his primary wife were buried in “A” shape tombs, while the secondary wife, despite being interred with fewer bronze vessels, had a grander tomb design. This burial is significant as it features a unique long grave construction and includes an extensive collection of jade and precious items, alongside a copper box filled with valuable artifacts. Such elaborateness underscores her stature and perhaps her longevity during a transformative time for the Jin state.
**China News Service:** From a historical perspective, how does the noble life during the Western Zhou differ from other dynasties, and what customs can we observe?
**Tian Jianwen:** The Western Zhou was a hierarchical society under a feudal system with strict rituals governing various social activities, from ceremonies to daily life. Nobles would adorn themselves with jade ornaments, highlighting their status and wealth. Popular customs included elaborate burial rites that showcased extensive jewelry and craftmanship, reflecting both individual status and the culture of the time.
This tradition of ritual complexity and elegance, deeply rooted in the values of that era, set the foundation for the Chinese cultural emphasis on etiquette that persists today.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Tian, for sharing these fascinating insights into the rich history of the Jin state and its illustrious noble class.
Tian Jianwen is a senior researcher at the Shanxi Provincial Archaeological Research Institute and a professor at several universities. He has published over 140 scholarly articles on various archaeological findings and historical topics related to the Yellow River basin and its cultural developments.
