The period of the Han dynasty was not only known for its emphasis on unification and expansion of the Chinese kingdom, it was also famous as an era of cultural and technological advancements. Their kingdom at that time rivaled that of the Romans in prominence and in achievements in the fields of art and science. This era was popular for the very rich cultural, intellectual and political heritage that it left behind. The Han dynasty culture is a solid evidence of the great things that the Chinese, during the Han dynasty, have achieved.
The arts began to gain status during the Eastern Han period when calligraphy and painting were no longer seen as pure letter symbols only. Ceramics was also developed along with the spread of pottery. Many of the greatest works in pottery were originally from the Han dynasty. Han emperors and other noblemen adorned their tombs with replicas made through pottery of warriors, servants, concubines, toilets, furniture; everything they needed in the next world.
Literature also became an integral part of the Han dynasty culture as it flourished greatly during this era mainly because of the invention of paper. Historian Sima Qian wrote the Book of History, the first account of Chinese history from Huangdi to Emperor Wu. The Yuefu, or the Music Bureau began to collect and record ceremonial chants and songs and ballads of common people. It was during this period that the loom was invented. With that, silk began to be woven for export trades. The world renowned “Three Treasures of the Han Dynasty” was also created during this time.
It would be an understatement to say that the culture during the Han dynasty was a prosperous one because it is a culture that can compete with the Roman culture’s grandiose and beauty. Indeed the history of the Han dynasty culture is something that cannot be overlooked not only by the Chinese but by the whole world.