Northern Song Research Articles

British Formalist Aesthetics and Its Literary Writing Practice

British Formalist Aesthetics and Its Literary Writing Practice

Allying with the Jin to Subjugate the Liao: Decision-Making and Demise of the Northern Song State, 1120-1127

From 1005 AD to 1120 AD, the Chinese Song Empire (960 AD —1179 AD) and its northern neighbor, the Khitan Liao Empire (907 AD —1125 AD), maintained an unprecedented friendship due to the Treaty of Chanyuan signed in 1004 AD. However, in 1120 AD, the Song decided to ally with the Jurchen Jin, a newly rising power in Northeast China, in an attempt to subjugate the Liao and recover the Sixteen Prefectures (modern-day Beijing, Hebei, Shanxi, and Tianjin), a Liao territory inhabited by Han Chinese. This decision, later known as Allying with the Jin, was seen as not only a betrayal of the friendship that the Song and the Liao had established and maintained, but also the greatest mistake that Emperor Song Huizong (1082 AD—1135AD) and his scholar-officials made, for it directly led to the demise of the Northern Song Dynasty seven years later. Why did the Song Empire decide to break the status quo, abandoning the hard-won peace with the Liao and instead ally with the Jin? Scholars like Zhang Yun Zheng attribute the decision-making to Song Huizong’s incompetence as an emperor. Other scholars like Nicolas Tackett believe that nationalism among the Song elites drove the alliance. This paper shall explore the role nationalism played in the Song-Jin Alliance and examine the roles of external forces in the decision-making process that eventually led to the downfall of the Northern Song Dynasty. This paper will also examine other historical conclusions that result from prior Song-centric research, as this paper ultimately concludes that military pragmatism was a more significant contributing factor to the Song-Jin Alliance than was nationalism.

Karst-ecological changes during the middle and late Holocene in Southwest China revealed by δ18O and δ13C records in a stalagmite

Rocky desertification is a major environmental problem in the karst regions of Southwest China and seriously impacts ecological and socioeconomic development. Human activities and climate change have been proposed as the main factors responsible for the development and expansion of rocky desertification, but more evidence is needed to support this hypothesis. In this study, the history of the Asian summer monsoon (ASM) since 6200 yr BP is reconstructed based on 230Th dating and δ18O and δ13C data of a stalagmite from Feilong Cave in Guizhou Province of Southwest China. Positive δ18O and δ13C excursions record eleven interdecadal–centennial weak summer monsoon events at 1000–870, 1660–1460, 2040–1900, 2780–2460, 3020–2860, 3250–3120, 3650–3370, 4273–3980, 4820–4480, 5370–5180, and 5840–5560 yr BP. These weak ASM events were controlled by a southward shift of the Intertropical Convergence Zone and frequent El Niño events. Changes in the δ13C values of this stalagmite were mainly driven by changes in vegetation coverage and type, soil microbial activity, and regional hydrogeological conditions. The simultaneous positive excursions of δ18O and δ13C at ∼5500, 4200, and 2800 yr BP indicate a degradation of the karst ecological environment in response to the weak summer monsoon. In addition, frequent dynasty changes in China since 3000 yr BP profoundly influenced the karst ecological environment. During the Medieval Warm Period, the Jing-Kang event (JK event) resulted in the fall of the Northern Song Dynasty and led to a large-scale migration into southern China. As a consequence, the population increase in the Yangtze River basin enhanced land use, accelerated the disappearance of forests, and finally resulted in the deterioration of the regional environment. We conclude that climate change and anthropogenic activity may have jointly triggered and/or exacerbated rocky desertification in Southwest China.

Depositional environments of the Miocene sediments in northern Song Hong basin

Northern Song Hong Tertiary Sedimentary basin is a classic case study of a pull-apart basin in southeast Asia, whose formation was controlled by the India-Eurasia collision, sinistral and dextral strike-slip motion of the Ailao Shan-Red River Shear Zone and Opening of the East Vietnam Sea during the Cenozoic. Unlike the central and southern parts of the basin, the northern Song Hong Basin experienced a very strong inversion during the Late Miocene. This rapid uplift of the region has led to significantly change in lithofacies and sedimentary environments, which are now still poorly understood. This uncertainty is considered one of the main challingings in prediction of the non-structural traps in the region. The recent results derived from well logging and 2D/3D seismic interpretation allowed us to define the Miocene formation in northern Song Hong basin, which are subdivided into three substrata, namely: the Lower, Middle and Upper stratum, which are characterized by typical characteristics of lithology and depositional environments. The Lower Miocene formation is dominated by deltaic environment at the bottom, transitioning to the overlying shelf environment. Lithology of the section varies from coarse-grained sediment (sandstone) to fine grained material such as shale and mudstone upward; The Middle Miocene stratum demonstrate sandier, coalic materials of the delta plain and delta front environments intercalated with swampy shale. In contrast, the Upper Miocene section is characterized by more fluvial and nearshore elements. It is illustrated by presence of the channel-filled sand bodies and mouth/longshore sand bars. These sand bodies demonstrate good porosity and horizontal permeability, which are considered to be good potential reservoir for both structural and non-structural traps in the Miocene formation.

A Review of Domestic Research on Zhang Dun in the Last Forty Years

In the past forty years, there have been a lot of domestic research results related to Zhang Dun, which has gradually formed a new hotspot in the study of the history of the Northern Song Dynasty. These studies mainly centered on Zhang Dun’s attitude towards the succession of Emperor Zhezong, Zhang Dun’s influence on the new deals, the party rivalry between Zhang Dun and the late Northern Song Dynasty, Zhang Dun’s achievements in the process of opening up the frontier in the late Northern Song Dynasty, Zhang Dun’s literary achievements, the relationship between Emperor Zhezong and Zhang Dun and the later generations’ historical writing of Zhang Dun, etc. The field of study is constantly expanding, and the research methods are also greatly reformed. To be sure, there are still some permissible innovations in the future research on Zhang Dun.

The official appointment of medical graduates in the Imperial Medical College (Guo Zi Jian Yi Ke) in the Northern Song Dynasty

The Imperial Medical College (Guo Zi Jian Yi Ke) in the Northern Song Dynasty was established for training Confucian physicians. The medical graduates from this college were granted superior official recognition but still received equal opportunities for their career advancement as other graduates for arts. This was partly because medical graduates were not well respected at that time and partly because the then government attempted to encourage more people to learn medicine. On the other hand, this official system seems to have not been successful in the purpose of training Confucian physicians because they were given more opportunities to be granted as governors of states or counties rather than remaining as Confucian physicians. However, the official system for the medical graduates showed the encouragement and the respect to Confucian physicians from the then government. It changed the medical views of upper class and promoted the development of traditional Chinese medicine.

An easy-to-assemble probe for in situ corrosion testing of archaeological metal

This paper describes the construction and application of an easily assembled electrochemical probe for testing the corrosion of archaeological metals in situ. The probe tip opens a gas-guiding groove to effectively solve the problem of random diffusion of electrolyte solution onto a rusted or patinated surface. After assessing the differences in EIS curves from this probe and a conventional flat cell, a bronze coin of the Northern Song Dynasty with a diameter of 2.5 cm was successfully studied using a 28-point mapping mode. The overall corrosion state of the bronze coin was assessed by fitting the charge transfer resistance (Rct) and rust resistance (Rr) as representative parameters. This is beneficial for providing clear guidance on the protection of targeted micro-areas of metal heritage objects, with broad application prospects in the field of monitoring rusted metal corrosion.

A world of uncertainties: litigation and order in a flood irrigation society: three villages in southern Shanxi since late imperial times

ABSTRACT Flood diversion irrigation is a unique way of water resource development and utilization in the semi-arid area of the South Shanxi Loess Plateau, a widespread technique since Wang Anshi’s (1021–1086) political reforms in the Northern Song era (960–1127). The uncertainty of flooding has brought many uncertainties to an area that is completely dependent on fluvial submersion for its livelihood. Long-term water disputes between the villages of Kang, Yangshe and Chaili in southern Shanxi province thus became the basis of petty disputes and momentous lawsuits. Litigation thus became a behavioral habit to deal with the plight of subsistence. Government rulings were habitually violated by the villagers. To government offices at all levels, the repeated submission and adjudicating of water conservancy lawsuits by the Three Villages became a normal occurrence. Uncertainty over the supply of flood water led to uncertainty in society, and this in turn intensified the uncertainty concerning the availability of flood water, in particular in terms of socio-economic utilization. Only when the local economy became no longer completely dependent on flood waters for irrigation, this uncertainty began to minimize or even disappear. In this regard, uncertainty is a core concept for understanding the relationship between man and nature in the semi-arid Shanxi Loess Plateau, throughout and since the late imperial period.

A Study on Traditional Villages and Towns in Lintan County, Gannan Prefecture

The human history of Lintan County in Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture can be traced back to 4000 years ago. It has undergone the historical erosion of the Neolithic Age, Xia and Zhou, Tang, Northern Song, and Ming dynasties, and is also a fusion zone of Tuyuhun King, Tubo King, and Han ethnic culture, forming a traditional culture with local characteristics. In Gannan Prefecture, there is a relatively special type of culture mainly composed of Han, Hui, and Tibetan culture. Through field research, the author visited the traditional conservation villages and towns in Lintan County, and preliminarily constructed the characteristics of the area from its characteristics (site selection, layout, form, etc.) and the characteristics of traditional building construction (courtyard composition, residential functions). The reasons for its formation, including military defense, agricultural natural resources, and watershed traffic arteries and other factors, were analyzed.

Evolution of the Land-Sea Silk Road Watershed: Causes and Impacts

From a macro point of view, the evolution of the land Silk Road presents the characteristics of "pendulum movement", while that of the sea Silk Road presents the status of "right-sided normal distribution". Based on some historical facts, it can be determined that the watershed of the land and sea Silk Road was in the Northern Song Dynasty. The main reasons for the watershed of the evolution of the land-Sea Silk Road are as follows: the Northern Song Dynasty failed to control the Northwest Silk Road (East Asia section) effectively, but paid more attention to maritime trade; The development of shipbuilding technology and navigation technology in Northern Song Dynasty and other countries; The economic scale of the Northern Song was much larger than that of the regimes along the Northwest Silk Road. The natural environment in northwest China deteriorated. The watershed of land-sea Silk Road evolution mainly includes: helping shift China's economic center of gravity from the northwest and Central Plains to the southeast, strengthening its control over the southeast and many islands; Strengthen the development of the southeast which has not been fully developed before, and increase the proportion of the population of the southeast in the total population of our country; Strengthen the contact with many overseas countries, trade volume and communication frequency are significantly increased; We will accelerate scientific and cultural exchanges between China and other countries. Many enlightenments can be found by analyzing the emergence of this watershed.

Peacemaking after Defeat in England in 991 and Northern Song China in 1005

Peacemaking after Defeat in England in 991 and Northern Song China in 1005

The influence of the imperial examination system reform in the Northern Song Dynasty on the scholars

The imperial examination system lasted more than 1,300 years from the birth of the Sui Dynasty to the fall of the Qing Dynasty, and had a great influence on Chinese history. The reform of the imperial examination in the Northern Song Dynasty was of great significance in the history of the Chinese imperial examination, and a series of its measures had a great influence on the politics, culture, education and other fields at that time. This paper discusses the influence of the imperial examination reform on the development and prosperity of literature from three aspects of talent guarantee, development environment and cultural environment.

Chinese painting theory as an Inspiration: Vladimir Trmčić's two music creations on Chinese painting

This paper examines Serbian composer Vladimir Trmčić's two works inspired by Chinese painting theory during the Southern and Northern Song dynasty. An in-depth analysis of the "Chinese characteristics" expressed or hidden in the composer's works will be conducted in the context of the composer's knowledge on China. Its aims are, firstly, to gain a deeper understanding of "Chinese music" as understood by Serbian composers; secondly, to provide a "blueprint" for motivating the development of music composition on the both sides; and finally, to demonstrate the new way of communication formed in the field of ideology so as to open up the horizons of cross-cultural studies in a wider context.

Death Rituals and Politics in Northern Song China by Mihwa Choi (review)

Death Rituals and Politics in Northern Song China by Mihwa Choi (review)

"The Change of Civil and Military" in the Painting Style of the Northern Song Dynasty—On Fan Kuan's Continuation and Development of Li Cheng's Style

"The Change of Civil and Military" in the Painting Style of the Northern Song Dynasty—On Fan Kuan's Continuation and Development of Li Cheng's Style

北宋中原多边形仿木构墓葬研究综述

北宋中原多边形仿木构墓葬研究综述

ISLAMIC ASTRONOMY AND CALENRDICAL SCIENCE IN CHINA

Islamic astronomy, Huihui tianwen in Chinese, once had a splendid time in the history of Chinese sciences. It was in practical usage parallel with Chinese traditional astronomy for almost four centuries. It spread to China since the beginning of Northern Song dynasty (960-1127), and officially abolished by Manchu Qing authority in 1669. During this approximately seven hundred years, Islamic astronomy played the roles of either adding astronomical values into that of Chinese astronomy or of running as independent establishment alongside Chinese astronomical bureau. In this short article we intend to briefly delineate the rise and fall of Islamic astronomy in China.

Analysis of the cause of the minimalist shape of Ru porcelain in Song Dynasty

Ru porcelain in the Song Dynasty is a general name of celadon fired by Ru kilns in the Northern Song Dynasty. The natural charm contained in the minimalist shape of Ru porcelain not only has a high artistic attainment in the Song Dynasty, but also has a great inspiration for modern and contemporary design development. By the method of literature research, this paper systematically traces the historical origin and development stage of Ru porcelain in the Song Dynasty, and analyzes the beauty of the shape, glaze and decoration of Ru porcelain through the method of artistic appreciation. At last, the paper analyzes the causes of Ru porcelain minimalist modeling from the political, economic and ideological aspects, and finally summarizes the enlightenment of Ru porcelain minimalist modeling to the development of modern and contemporary design.

The Rise of Tiba 題跋 as a Literary Genre in Song China

abstract: Why did tiba colophons, whose raison d'être depended on being attached to target subjects as addenda, effectively survive as independent texts compiled in literary collections? By tracing the rise of the tiba genre from the mid-eleventh century, I delineate how Northern Song literati explored tiba as a new discursive space to critically engage with material objects, capture group dynamics among connoisseurs, and offer evaluative assessments on the various topics of tiba . The stature of tiba transformed through the twelfth century, when they were compiled into literary collections as stand-alone texts, gradually acquiring sociocultural connotations and status comparable to those of established formal genres. I argue that this process of decontextualizing and recontextualizing proved essential to the rise of tiba during the Song and their popularity during the following centuries. 摘要: 題跋書寫原是高度依存於所跋對象的，那為何傳世題跋多以文集中所收獨立文本的形式流傳？本文通過追溯題跋這一文本空間從十一世紀中期到十二世紀末的演變，重構題跋在北宋流行的語境，並勾勒其文體生成的關鍵過程⸺題跋脫離所跋對象、與其他題跋共同入集。

Characterising Chinese Ru ware in the Sir Percival David collection at the British Museum using handheld XRF analysis

Ru ware is a very rare and highly prized stoneware from the end of the Northern Song period of China (960–1127 CE). Stylistic and art historical work by Regina Krahl (2021) suggests that a brush washer in the Sir Percival David Collection, housed in the British Museum, might be Ru rather than Korean Goryeo ware as previously thought. This paper reports the analysis of the glaze of this piece by handheld XRF in comparison with 10 pieces of Ru and 10 pieces of Goryeo ware. Despite the compositional similarity of the glazes, the analysis was able to show conclusively that the piece is Ru ware. The work has implications for the analysis of Chinese stoneware and beyond, showing that it may be possible (under the right conditions) to distinguish different productions relatively quickly and easily.