New Shades of Old Materials Changing Roles of Transparent Glass Artefacts in the Barbarian States of China

Abstract

The 5th-6th centuries are regarded as a transformative period of Chinese history, where an intensity of cultural metamorphosis can be detected. Changing patterns of roles of specific materials with particular cultural values attached – such as gold and silver vessels or transparent glass objects – were important elements of this era. From the late 3rd to the 6th century, North China was partially or fully ruled by non-Han people, belonging to various barbarian tribes. As a result of social and cultural interactions and the dual presence of nomadic and Chinese lifestyles, a reinterpretation of non-local objects can be outlined. While precious metal artefacts became more popular, transparent glass items gradually lost their prestigious feature and unique role. In light of such complex transformations of taste and culture, these relics can be regarded as examples of changing receptions. The paper not only aims to provide a historical and archaeological outline of
this turbulent period but also focuses on the (re)adoption and (re)adaptation of precious metal and glass artefacts in 5th–6th century Northern China.