Thesis Chapters by Claudia Zancan
Ca' Foscari University of Venice, 2022
The sōshoku kofun 装飾古墳, that is, kofun that feature decorative motifs in relief, engraved and pai... more The sōshoku kofun 装飾古墳, that is, kofun that feature decorative motifs in relief, engraved and painted on the inner and/or outer surface of the sarcophagus, on the inner and/or outer walls of the stone burial chamber, are a phenomenon of protohistoric art that developed during the Late Kofun Period (475-710 CE) starting in North Kyūshū and then spreading to the rest of the island and parts of the Japanese archipelago. As the society of the time was non-literate, the motifs reproduced within these decorated tombs are important channels of communication to convey information about identity, society and shared cultural aspects. This research analysed the subject of the boat in 17 sōshoku kofun in Northern Kyūshū, the present-day prefectures of Fukuoka, Saga and Nagasaki, through an iconographic and iconological description. The aim of this research is to understand how the subject of the boat developed in this particular phenomenon of protohistoric art, why the boat was reproduced in a funerary context, and what information on the underlying culture can be gleaned by analysing the style, iconography and links the subject of the boat has with both indigenous and continental symbolism.
The thesis is in Italian, but within the appendix 1 (Appendice 1) it is possible to read in English the results obtained from the discussion of the data and information gathered. For any doubts or requests for an explanation in English of the analysis discussed here, please contact the author directly.
Decorated Tombs in Southwest Japan - Behind the Identity and the Socio-Political Developments of the Late Kofun Society in Kyushu, 2013
The interactions among two or more cultures have always had great importance for what concerns ar... more The interactions among two or more cultures have always had great importance for what concerns archaeology, since the influences these have had on material culture have often triggered intrinsic processes within the society. As a consequence, a new tradition would have been created where it is not possible anymore to recognize what is a foreign element and what is an autochthonous one.
In the case of the Japanese archipelago, the relations between the Kyūshū island, the Chinese Han Empire, and the southern part of the Korean Peninsula led to a material culture that shows the different natures these relations had. Furthermore, these relations triggered some socio-political processes which led to a political hierarchy which reflected especially on the development of the mortuary architecture of the mounded tombs typical of the Kofun Period (250-710 AD).
This thesis aims to analyze the nature of the interactions between Kyūshū and the Korean Kingdom of Paekche, as well as the influences these interactions had on the mortuary architecture of the Late Kofun Period (475-710 AD). The phenomenon of the decorated tombs will be taken as a specific case study of a shared element between the two cultures. The discussion of the data gathered specifically for this thesis, regarding 21 sample sites from Fukuoka and Kumamoto prefectures, attempts to show how through the decorated tombs it is possible to gain new information regarding the Late Kofun society in Kyūshū, and how interactions do not always lead to complete adoption of foreign element.
Using literary analysis and Barnes’ (2007) similar research regarding the two previous phases of the Kofun Period, preliminary results show evidence that the interactions between Kyūshū and southern Korea during the late Kofun Period were not as one-sided as is often believed. The Late Kofun decorated tombs appear to be neither merely a copy of Korean examples, nor a completely indigenous innovation, but rather a combination of the two. Where the differences in decoration show a distinctly separate identity base on long previous traditions, the similarities in architecture show evidence of “Peer Polity Interaction”, a theory expounded by Renfrew (1986) and evidenced for the earlier two periods in Barnes’ (2007) research.
Conference Presentations by Claudia Zancan
AISTUGIA promotes the study and knowledge of Japan in Italy.
It currently has around 400 membe... more AISTUGIA promotes the study and knowledge of Japan in Italy.
It currently has around 400 members, including academics and university students, as well as professionals from a wide range of specialities and people with a continuing and deepening interest in any aspect of Japanese civilisation.
AISTUGIA promotes in-depth studies by facilitating meetings and debates between experts in the various fields at the annual conference or other events.
Among AISTUGIA's objectives is not only the development of Japanese studies in Italy but also the correct and objective information on everything related to Japan.
SEAA-web.org, 2021
The main focus of the conference, 26-28 June 2021, is undergraduate and gradu... more SEAA-web.org, 2021
The main focus of the conference, 26-28 June 2021, is undergraduate and graduate student research. It is open to all students and faculty of East Asian archaeology, does not require SEAA membership, and is free of charge. The SEAA 2021 Online Student Conference is co-hosted by SEAA and Professor Sungjoo Lee and colleagues at Kyungpook National University. Presentations or short films will be on all topics that highlight the growth and depth of East Asian archaeology in Korea, China, and Japan and adjacent regions, such as Southeast Asia, the Pacific, North Asia, Central Asia and the East Asian diaspora. Examples of possible topics include, but are not limited to: scientific approaches to the archaeology of East Asia, theoretical themes that crosscut geographical boundaries, and studies of particular sites, regions, and cultures.
The Second Conference of European Association for Asian Art and Archaeology
University of Zurich,... more The Second Conference of European Association for Asian Art and Archaeology
University of Zurich, Switzerland
August 24–27, 2017
The conference is jointly organized by the European Association for Asian Art and Archaeology (EAAA) and the Section of East Asian Art History (KGOA) at the University of Zurich.
The University of Zurich is the only institution of higher learning in Switzerland where the subject of East Asian art history can be studied as a full program. Museum research constitutes an important part of the department’s activities and its broader aim is to promote the discipline of East Asian art history, both within Switzerland and within Europe. The KGOA is proud to host the conference as a founding member of the EAAA.
Papers by Claudia Zancan
Annali di Ca' Foscari, Aug 28, 2023
The sōshoku kofun 装飾古墳 (decorated tombs) is a phenomenon of protohistoric art that developed duri... more The sōshoku kofun 装飾古墳 (decorated tombs) is a phenomenon of protohistoric art that developed during the Late Kofun Period (475-710 CE) from Northern Kyūshū. This paper will discuss the data personally gathered from the iconographic and iconological analysis of the subject of the boat in seventeen sōshoku kofun in Northern Kyūshū, i.e. the present-day prefectures of Fukuoka, Saga, and Nagasaki. The aim of this research is to understand how the subject of the boat developed artistically in this particular phenomenon of protohistoric art, why the boat was reproduced in a funerary context, and what information on the behind culture can be obtained by analysing the style, the iconography, and the links the subject of the boat has with both local and mainland symbolism.
Annali di Ca’ Foscari. Serie orientale, 2023
The sōshoku kofun 装飾古墳 (decorated tombs) is a phenomenon of protohistoric art that developed duri... more The sōshoku kofun 装飾古墳 (decorated tombs) is a phenomenon of protohistoric art that developed during the Late Kofun Period (475-710 CE) from Northern Kyūshū. This paper will discuss the data personally gathered from the iconographic and iconological analysis of the subject of the boat in seventeen sōshoku kofun in Northern Kyūshū, i.e. the present-day prefectures of Fukuoka, Saga, and Nagasaki. The aim of this research is to understand how the subject of the boat developed artistically in this particular phenomenon of protohistoric art, why the boat was reproduced in a funerary context, and what information on the behind culture can be obtained by analysing the style, the iconography, and the links the subject of the boat has with both local and mainland symbolism.
Out in the Field Internships Master Students Archaeological Heritage Management 2011-2012, 2012
With its central position in the Indian Ocean, the Indian peninsula played a key role in maritime... more With its central position in the Indian Ocean, the Indian peninsula played a key role in maritime trade for roughly 400 years, from the early fifteenth until the end of the nineteenth century. Its 7,526 kilometres of coastline and 1197 islands have made this peninsula one of the most appealing areas for conquest for the European powers during the Early Modern times. The Portuguese, Dutch, French and English established their colonies in the main Indian ports and sought to monopolise the trade of spices, textiles and opium. The interaction between the Europeans and the autochthonous population left its traces in tangible and intangible heritage. The objective of my internship for the master specialisation
Archaeological Heritage Management in a World Context is to provide more insights in the meaning and applications of mutual cultural heritage in the case of the Netherlands and India. India is, in fact, one of the priority countries for the Dutch policy concerning mutual cultural heritage.
The concept of mutual cultural heritage is fundamental in understanding the relation between these two countries in the field of heritage. The main characteristic of mutual cultural heritage is that it focuses on on the preservation of colonial heritage overseas.
In case of the Netherlands this especially involves heritage relating to the periods of the Dutch East India Company (Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie, VOC) and the Dutch West India Company (Geoctroyeerde Westindische Compagnie, WIC) (Fienieg et al. 2008, 24). The Dutch mutual cultural heritage (Gemeenschappelijk Cultureel Ergoed, GCE) is a policy term used by the Dutch government. The attention towards the mutual cultural heritage started in 1997 and soon it became a priority. The concept was integrated into the international cultural policy of the ministries of Foreign Affairs and of Education, Culture and Science. The
priorities of the International Cultural Policy 2009-2012 were arranged in September 2008 by the State Secretary Mr. Timmermans of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Mr. Plasterk of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science.
In this article, I present the results of my research which concerned the cooperation between the Netherlands and India regarding its mutual heritage. The information for this research was gathered at the Centre for International Heritage Activities (CIE) in Leiden.
Books by Claudia Zancan
Annali di Ca' Foscari. Serie orientale, 2023
Annali di Ca’ Foscari.Serie orientale is the journal of the Department of Asian and North African... more Annali di Ca’ Foscari.Serie orientale is the journal of the Department of Asian and North African Studies of Ca' Foscari University of Venice. Started in 1970, the journal became an Open Access resource in 2014. Its mission is to foster original and interdisciplinary research in the fields of Asian and North African Studies. Each annual issue features articles and reviews written by leading scholars whose contributions span across a vast array of topics. These can be gathered under four main headings:
Linguistics, philology, and literature.
Religions and philosophies.
Archaeology and cultural heritage, visual and performing arts.
History, economy, politics, and international relations.
Issue 6 by Claudia Zancan
Claudia Zancan dives into the materialisation of the society of the Late Kofun period on the isla... more Claudia Zancan dives into the materialisation of the society of the Late Kofun period on the island of Kyūshū in Japan. Through the analysis of the style, iconography and iconology of the recovered materials and preserved decorations, the author reveals the hybrid nature of the artistic production, material culture, grave goods produced by a society which merged elements of peninsular origin with local culture.
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Thesis Chapters by Claudia Zancan
The thesis is in Italian, but within the appendix 1 (Appendice 1) it is possible to read in English the results obtained from the discussion of the data and information gathered. For any doubts or requests for an explanation in English of the analysis discussed here, please contact the author directly.
In the case of the Japanese archipelago, the relations between the Kyūshū island, the Chinese Han Empire, and the southern part of the Korean Peninsula led to a material culture that shows the different natures these relations had. Furthermore, these relations triggered some socio-political processes which led to a political hierarchy which reflected especially on the development of the mortuary architecture of the mounded tombs typical of the Kofun Period (250-710 AD).
This thesis aims to analyze the nature of the interactions between Kyūshū and the Korean Kingdom of Paekche, as well as the influences these interactions had on the mortuary architecture of the Late Kofun Period (475-710 AD). The phenomenon of the decorated tombs will be taken as a specific case study of a shared element between the two cultures. The discussion of the data gathered specifically for this thesis, regarding 21 sample sites from Fukuoka and Kumamoto prefectures, attempts to show how through the decorated tombs it is possible to gain new information regarding the Late Kofun society in Kyūshū, and how interactions do not always lead to complete adoption of foreign element.
Using literary analysis and Barnes’ (2007) similar research regarding the two previous phases of the Kofun Period, preliminary results show evidence that the interactions between Kyūshū and southern Korea during the late Kofun Period were not as one-sided as is often believed. The Late Kofun decorated tombs appear to be neither merely a copy of Korean examples, nor a completely indigenous innovation, but rather a combination of the two. Where the differences in decoration show a distinctly separate identity base on long previous traditions, the similarities in architecture show evidence of “Peer Polity Interaction”, a theory expounded by Renfrew (1986) and evidenced for the earlier two periods in Barnes’ (2007) research.
Conference Presentations by Claudia Zancan
It currently has around 400 members, including academics and university students, as well as professionals from a wide range of specialities and people with a continuing and deepening interest in any aspect of Japanese civilisation.
AISTUGIA promotes in-depth studies by facilitating meetings and debates between experts in the various fields at the annual conference or other events.
Among AISTUGIA's objectives is not only the development of Japanese studies in Italy but also the correct and objective information on everything related to Japan.
The main focus of the conference, 26-28 June 2021, is undergraduate and graduate student research. It is open to all students and faculty of East Asian archaeology, does not require SEAA membership, and is free of charge. The SEAA 2021 Online Student Conference is co-hosted by SEAA and Professor Sungjoo Lee and colleagues at Kyungpook National University. Presentations or short films will be on all topics that highlight the growth and depth of East Asian archaeology in Korea, China, and Japan and adjacent regions, such as Southeast Asia, the Pacific, North Asia, Central Asia and the East Asian diaspora. Examples of possible topics include, but are not limited to: scientific approaches to the archaeology of East Asia, theoretical themes that crosscut geographical boundaries, and studies of particular sites, regions, and cultures.
University of Zurich, Switzerland
August 24–27, 2017
The conference is jointly organized by the European Association for Asian Art and Archaeology (EAAA) and the Section of East Asian Art History (KGOA) at the University of Zurich.
The University of Zurich is the only institution of higher learning in Switzerland where the subject of East Asian art history can be studied as a full program. Museum research constitutes an important part of the department’s activities and its broader aim is to promote the discipline of East Asian art history, both within Switzerland and within Europe. The KGOA is proud to host the conference as a founding member of the EAAA.
Papers by Claudia Zancan
Archaeological Heritage Management in a World Context is to provide more insights in the meaning and applications of mutual cultural heritage in the case of the Netherlands and India. India is, in fact, one of the priority countries for the Dutch policy concerning mutual cultural heritage.
The concept of mutual cultural heritage is fundamental in understanding the relation between these two countries in the field of heritage. The main characteristic of mutual cultural heritage is that it focuses on on the preservation of colonial heritage overseas.
In case of the Netherlands this especially involves heritage relating to the periods of the Dutch East India Company (Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie, VOC) and the Dutch West India Company (Geoctroyeerde Westindische Compagnie, WIC) (Fienieg et al. 2008, 24). The Dutch mutual cultural heritage (Gemeenschappelijk Cultureel Ergoed, GCE) is a policy term used by the Dutch government. The attention towards the mutual cultural heritage started in 1997 and soon it became a priority. The concept was integrated into the international cultural policy of the ministries of Foreign Affairs and of Education, Culture and Science. The
priorities of the International Cultural Policy 2009-2012 were arranged in September 2008 by the State Secretary Mr. Timmermans of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Mr. Plasterk of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science.
In this article, I present the results of my research which concerned the cooperation between the Netherlands and India regarding its mutual heritage. The information for this research was gathered at the Centre for International Heritage Activities (CIE) in Leiden.
Books by Claudia Zancan
Linguistics, philology, and literature.
Religions and philosophies.
Archaeology and cultural heritage, visual and performing arts.
History, economy, politics, and international relations.
Issue 6 by Claudia Zancan
The thesis is in Italian, but within the appendix 1 (Appendice 1) it is possible to read in English the results obtained from the discussion of the data and information gathered. For any doubts or requests for an explanation in English of the analysis discussed here, please contact the author directly.
In the case of the Japanese archipelago, the relations between the Kyūshū island, the Chinese Han Empire, and the southern part of the Korean Peninsula led to a material culture that shows the different natures these relations had. Furthermore, these relations triggered some socio-political processes which led to a political hierarchy which reflected especially on the development of the mortuary architecture of the mounded tombs typical of the Kofun Period (250-710 AD).
This thesis aims to analyze the nature of the interactions between Kyūshū and the Korean Kingdom of Paekche, as well as the influences these interactions had on the mortuary architecture of the Late Kofun Period (475-710 AD). The phenomenon of the decorated tombs will be taken as a specific case study of a shared element between the two cultures. The discussion of the data gathered specifically for this thesis, regarding 21 sample sites from Fukuoka and Kumamoto prefectures, attempts to show how through the decorated tombs it is possible to gain new information regarding the Late Kofun society in Kyūshū, and how interactions do not always lead to complete adoption of foreign element.
Using literary analysis and Barnes’ (2007) similar research regarding the two previous phases of the Kofun Period, preliminary results show evidence that the interactions between Kyūshū and southern Korea during the late Kofun Period were not as one-sided as is often believed. The Late Kofun decorated tombs appear to be neither merely a copy of Korean examples, nor a completely indigenous innovation, but rather a combination of the two. Where the differences in decoration show a distinctly separate identity base on long previous traditions, the similarities in architecture show evidence of “Peer Polity Interaction”, a theory expounded by Renfrew (1986) and evidenced for the earlier two periods in Barnes’ (2007) research.
It currently has around 400 members, including academics and university students, as well as professionals from a wide range of specialities and people with a continuing and deepening interest in any aspect of Japanese civilisation.
AISTUGIA promotes in-depth studies by facilitating meetings and debates between experts in the various fields at the annual conference or other events.
Among AISTUGIA's objectives is not only the development of Japanese studies in Italy but also the correct and objective information on everything related to Japan.
The main focus of the conference, 26-28 June 2021, is undergraduate and graduate student research. It is open to all students and faculty of East Asian archaeology, does not require SEAA membership, and is free of charge. The SEAA 2021 Online Student Conference is co-hosted by SEAA and Professor Sungjoo Lee and colleagues at Kyungpook National University. Presentations or short films will be on all topics that highlight the growth and depth of East Asian archaeology in Korea, China, and Japan and adjacent regions, such as Southeast Asia, the Pacific, North Asia, Central Asia and the East Asian diaspora. Examples of possible topics include, but are not limited to: scientific approaches to the archaeology of East Asia, theoretical themes that crosscut geographical boundaries, and studies of particular sites, regions, and cultures.
University of Zurich, Switzerland
August 24–27, 2017
The conference is jointly organized by the European Association for Asian Art and Archaeology (EAAA) and the Section of East Asian Art History (KGOA) at the University of Zurich.
The University of Zurich is the only institution of higher learning in Switzerland where the subject of East Asian art history can be studied as a full program. Museum research constitutes an important part of the department’s activities and its broader aim is to promote the discipline of East Asian art history, both within Switzerland and within Europe. The KGOA is proud to host the conference as a founding member of the EAAA.
Archaeological Heritage Management in a World Context is to provide more insights in the meaning and applications of mutual cultural heritage in the case of the Netherlands and India. India is, in fact, one of the priority countries for the Dutch policy concerning mutual cultural heritage.
The concept of mutual cultural heritage is fundamental in understanding the relation between these two countries in the field of heritage. The main characteristic of mutual cultural heritage is that it focuses on on the preservation of colonial heritage overseas.
In case of the Netherlands this especially involves heritage relating to the periods of the Dutch East India Company (Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie, VOC) and the Dutch West India Company (Geoctroyeerde Westindische Compagnie, WIC) (Fienieg et al. 2008, 24). The Dutch mutual cultural heritage (Gemeenschappelijk Cultureel Ergoed, GCE) is a policy term used by the Dutch government. The attention towards the mutual cultural heritage started in 1997 and soon it became a priority. The concept was integrated into the international cultural policy of the ministries of Foreign Affairs and of Education, Culture and Science. The
priorities of the International Cultural Policy 2009-2012 were arranged in September 2008 by the State Secretary Mr. Timmermans of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Mr. Plasterk of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science.
In this article, I present the results of my research which concerned the cooperation between the Netherlands and India regarding its mutual heritage. The information for this research was gathered at the Centre for International Heritage Activities (CIE) in Leiden.
Linguistics, philology, and literature.
Religions and philosophies.
Archaeology and cultural heritage, visual and performing arts.
History, economy, politics, and international relations.