Utensil Function, Cosmetic Practice, and Living Heritage: 
An Archaeological Study of Ceramic Cosmetic Containers in the Tang and Song Dynasties

Shuting Zhang

doi:10.70711/rcha.v4i5.9729

Utensil Function, Cosmetic Practice, and Living Heritage: An Archaeological Study of Ceramic Cosmetic Containers in the Tang and Song Dynasties

Shuting Zhang

Abstract

This study examines the archaeological characteristics of Tang and Song Dynasty ceramic containers used for cosmetics, which
serve as both daily utensils and vessels for cosmetic storage while also functioning as material remains of daily life. This study elucidates the
provenance of these artifacts, methods for identifying cosmetic use, and the stylistic evolution of round boxes from the Tang and Five Dynasties periods as well as compartmentalized containers from the Song Dynasty. It explores the categorization and storage of cosmetic powders
and ointments, the expression of glaze colors and patterns, and the spatial organization of cosmetic trunks. Drawing on examples such as the
white porcelain rouge box from the Tang Dynasty tomb at Zhanggou, Longmen, Luoyang, the study examines the relationship between these
artifacts and women's cosmetic practices, daily lifestyles, and the interpretation of cultural heritage.

Keywords

Tang and Song dynasties; Cosmetic ceramic containers; Stylistic evolution; Cosmetic culture; Cultural heritage

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.70711/rcha.v4i5.9729

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