Artifacts and the Worship of Immortals: An Image Analysis of the Maoling Bamboo-Joint Boshan Furnace in the Han Dynasty

Abstract

The Boshan furnace of the Han Dynasty is famous for its intricate carving, which possesses both decorative features and symbolic functions. The gilt silver and bamboo-joint bronze fumigation stove, with its continuous Boshan design, towering bamboo joints, and vivid carvings, reflects the two major characteristics of “beauty” and “utility” of the Ming Dynasty artifacts. This article mainly focuses on the transition from three-dimensional to two-dimensional imagery, the transformation of symbolic meanings into spatial analogues, and the comparative analysis of foreign and domestic shapes. The intention is to explore the morphological characteristics of Ming Dynasty artifacts through image research.