Supplementary Study Of Dunhuang Craftsmen

During the Dunhuang Guiyijun period,there were about 40 kinds of craftsmen and handicraftsmen,with craftsmen’s construction object as the main standard divided into11 categories,and the industries in which craftsmen were involved included construction,textile,paper,leather,metalworking,ordnance and food processing.The Dunhuang documents mainly reflect the difference in the technical level of craftsmen in terms of titles,mainly manifested as the difference in rank between Du Liao,Doctor,Craftsman and Student.BD 16485 " A Calendar of Aaterials Handed to the Bowsmiths" recorded that the bow made by the bowsmith during the Guiyijun period was a tendon-angle compound bow,and the bow craftsman’s bow making technique was similar to the relevant content of the handed down documents,reflecting the stability of the ancient bow making technique.The Guiyijun Office had a looser management of civilian bows and arrows,allowing them to use for defending the city,hunting and sacrifices.During the Guiyijun period,the feltsmith’s making process divided into rolling and lifting felt.After dyeing,they made into coloured felt,and the feltsmith’s product was complete varity,diverse styles,large quantity and wide application.The feltsmith’s activity record was less formed a strong contrast,which showed the excellent quality of felt from the negative side.During the Guiyijun period,three types divisions apperaed in the blacksmith handicraft industry based on business,including the Xiejiang who casted large ironware,the blacksmith who forged small ironware,and the tinker who engaged in repair work,but in practice,the three types of blacksmiths were not completely separated.During the Dunhuang Guiyjjun period,there were positions such as Du Liao and Lu Shi in the craftsman guild,and Du Liao was the leader of the guild,and he was respected by peers and society because of his superb skills.After Five Dynasties,they become guild leaders and could decide guild affairs,but they need to consult with peers before implemented.Lu Shi is the assistant of Du Material,whose main responsibility is to cooperate with Du Liao in handling guild affairs,and to act as an ordinary craftsman in Dunhuang.There are common characteristics of craftsmen during the Dunhuang Guiyijun period.It manifests in the following points.The direct activity of craftsmen is few and scattered.Craftsmen were employed by monasteries and serving in the Guiyijun Office.The craftsman products were complete and numerous,and were loved by the people of the Dunhuang.The attitude of the Guiyijun Office towards the ownership,use and trading of craftsmen’s products was more tolerant.The Guiyijun Office carried out a relatively effective management of craftsmen through Du Liao and Lu Shi.During the Dunhuang Guiyijun period,craftsmen and their techniques and products reflected the integration between multiple ethnic groups.