Archaeological Notes from the Tarim Basin

This book was compiled from the author's records of explorations in the Tarim Basin in 1928 and 1929, as well as various unearthed artifacts. It is divided into two main sections: accounts of the explorations and descriptions of the relics. The exploration accounts describe several ancient towns, temples, canals, and military settlements discovered around the Tarim Basin. These provide valuable clues for studying the political and economic relations between the Han and Tang dynasties and the Western Regions. Several route maps and working maps are also included for reference. The descriptions of the relics are divided into sections on paintings, clay sculptures, ceramic molds, wood carvings, textiles, inscriptions, coins, and objects made of bronze, stone, and pottery. They describe the nature and use of each type of artifact, and include 120 plates. These provide new material for research into the interactions and mutual influence between Chinese and Western cultures.