Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Quanzhou Archaeology: A Brief Review

  • Published:
International Journal of Historical Archaeology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The city of Quanzhou in coastal Fujian Province, southeastern China, rose to prominence as an international trading port in the twelfth to fourteenth centuries A.D. This paper reviews its published archaeological record which includes the Kaiyuansi Temple, several mosques, Hindu sites, a Manichaeist temple at Huabiao, several types of tombs, the Houzhu and Fashi sunken ships, and kiln sites.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

REFERENCES CITED

  • Abu-Lughod, J. (1989). Before European Hegemony: The World System A.D. 1250, Oxford University Press, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chaffee, J. (2001). The impact of the Song Imperial Clan on the overseas trade of Quanzhou. In Schottenhammer, A. (ed.), The Emporium of the World: Maritime Quanzhou, 1000-1400, Brill, Leiden, pp. 13–46.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen, D. (1984). Quanzhou Yisilanjiao Shike (Moslem Inscriptions in Quanzhou), Renmin Chubanshe, Fuzhou.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen, D. (1992). A Brunei sultan in the early 14th century: Study of an Arabic gravestone. Journal of Southeast Asian Studies 23(1): 1–13.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen, D., and Kalus, L. (1991). Corpus D'inscriptions Arabes et Persianes en Chine: Tome 1, Province de Fujian, Librarie Orientaliste Paul Geuthner, Paris.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen, P. (1986). Fujian qingci kaocha (Survey of Fujian celadon). Haijiaoshi Yanjiu 9(1): 77–81.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen, P., and Zeng, Q. (1983). Quanzhou Fuhoushan chutu de Jiangxi taoqi (Jiangxi porcelain discovered at Fuhoushan, Quanzhou). Jiangxi Lishi Wenwu 4: 73–77.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen, S., and Zhuang, B. (1990). Quanzhou, Zhongguo Jianzhu Gongye Chubanshe, Beijing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen, X. (1991). Zhongguo Fanchuan yu Haiwai Maoyi (Chinese Ships and Foreign Trade), Xiamen Daxue Chubanshe, Xiamen.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen, X. (1994). Wudai Shiguo de Yueyso gingpin doliong foxian yu Penghu (Yue Wares of the FiveDynasties and Their Kingdoms found in the Penghu Archipelago) Boehi Toji Konhezu 14: 82–96.

    Google Scholar 

  • Clark, H. (1991). Community, Trade, and Networks: Southern Fujian Province From the Third to Thirteenth Century, Cambridge University Press, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Coomaraswamy, A. (1933). Hindu sculptures at Zayton. Ostasiatische Zeitschrift Series 2 IX: 5–11.

    Google Scholar 

  • D'Ancona, J. (1997). The City of Light, Little Brown, London.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ecke, G., and Demieville, P. (1935). The TwinPagodas of Zayton, Harvard University Press, Cambridge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Foster, J. (1954). Crosses from the walls of Zaitun. Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society 1–25.

  • Franke, W., and Ch'en, T. (1973). A Chinese tomb inscription of A.D. 1264, discovered recently in Brunei: A preliminary report. Brunei Museum Journal 3(1): 91–99.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fu, Z. (1989). Houzhu guchuan: Songji Nanwaizongzhengsi haiwai jingshang de wuzheng (Houzhu ancient ship: Material evidence for maritime trade operated by the Southern Branch of the Royal Clan in the end of the Song). Haijiaoshi Yanjiu 16: 77–83.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fujian Sheng Bowuguan (1990). Dehuayao (Kilns of Dehua), Wenwu Chubanshe, Beijing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fujian Sheng Bowuguan, Quanzhoushi Weiyuanhui, Quanzhou Haijiaoshi Bowuguan (1991).Quanzhou Qingjingsi Fengtiantan jidi fajue baogao (Report of excavation of the Fengtiantan Hall of the mosque at Quanzhou). Kaogu Xuebao 3: 353–380.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gates, H. (1996). China's Motor: A Thousand Years of Petty Capitalism, Cornell University Press, Ithaca.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gibb, H. (1994). The Travels of Ibn Battuta, A.D. 1325-1354, Vol. 4. Hakluyt Society, Cambridge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gladney, D. (1987). Muslim tombs and ethnic folklore: Charters for Hui identity. The Journal of Asian Studies 46(3): 495–532.

    Google Scholar 

  • Green, J. (1983). The Song Dynasty shipwreck at Quanzhou, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China. International Journal of Nautical Archaeology 12(3): 253–261.

    Google Scholar 

  • Guy, J. (1994). The lost temples of Nagapattinam and Quanzhou. Silk Road Art and Archaeology III: 292–310.

    Google Scholar 

  • Guy, J. (2001). Tamil merchants and the Quanzhou trade. In Schottenhammer, A. (ed.), The Emporium of the World: Maritime Quanzhou, 1000-1400, Brill, Leiden, pp. 283–308.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hirth, F., and Rockhill, W. (1966). Chau Ju-Kua: His Work on the Chinese and Arab Trade in the Twelfth and Thirteenth Centuries, Entitled Chu-Fan-Chi, Oriental Press, Amsterdam.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ho, C. (2001). The ceramic boom in Minnan during Song and Yuan times. In. Schottenhammer, A.(ed.), The Emporium of the World: Maritime Quanzhou, 1000-1400, Brill, Leiden, pp. 237–282.

    Google Scholar 

  • Huang, T. (1992). Fujian Quanzhou Qingjingsi jianzhu xingshi kaochaji (An investigation into the architectural patterns of the mosque at Quanzhou). Kaogu 1: 83–89.

    Google Scholar 

  • Huang, T. (1996). Song Yuan shiqi Quanzhou ciyi tan (A discussion of Quanzhou's ceramic skill in the Song and Yuan periods). Quanzhou Wenbo 2: 39–41.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kamei, M. (1995). Fukiensho Koyoseki Shutsudo Tojiki Kenkyu (A study of ceramics unearthed from ancient kiln sites in Fujian), Tohoku Insatsu Kabushiki Kaisha, Tokyo.

    Google Scholar 

  • Keith, D., and Buys, C. (1981).Newlight on medieval Chinese seagoing ship construction. International Journal of Nautical Archaeology 10(2): 119–132.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kuwabara, J. (1989). Ho Juko no Jiseki (Vestiges of Pu Shougeng), Toyo Bunko Series, No. 509. Heibonsha, Tokyo.

    Google Scholar 

  • Li, G. (1989). Archaeological evidence for the use of chu-nam in the 13th century Quanzhou Ship; Fujian Province, China. International Journal of Nautical Archaeology 18(4): 277–283.

    Google Scholar 

  • Li, J. (1993). Fujian guciyao kaogu gaishu (A brief account of the ancient ceramic kilns of Fujian).In Fujiansheng Bowuguan (ed.), Fujian Lishi Wenhua yu Bowuguanxue Yanjiu: Fujian ShengBowuguan Chengli Sisizhounian JinianWenji (History, Culture, and Museology Studies of Fujian:Collected Papers in Commemoration of the 40th Anniversary of the Founding of the ProvincialMuseum), Fujian Zhaoyi Chubanshe, Fuzhou, pp. 175–181.

    Google Scholar 

  • Li, Z., and Chen, P. (1984). Songyuan shiqi Quanzhougang de taoci shuchu (Ceramics exports from Quanzhou harbor during the Song and Yuan periods. Haijiaoshi Yanjiu 6: 39–48.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lieu, S. (1980). Nestorians and Manichaeans on the South China coast. Vigiliae Christianae 34: 71–88.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lieu, S. (1985). Manichaeism in the Later Roman Empire and Mediaeval China: A Historical Survey, Manchester University Press, Manchester.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lin, Z. (1958). Quanzhou Kaiyuansi shita (The stone pagodas of the Kaiyuan Temple, Quanzhou). Wenwu Cankao Ciliao 1: 62–63.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lin, Z. (1959). Quanzhou Kaiyuansi Dadian (The Great Hall of the Quanzhou Kaiyuan Temple).Wenwu 2: 42–43, 45.

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu, H. (1993). Luoyang Wan'anqiao Shi (Account of the Wan'an Bridge Luoyang), Huayang Chubanshe, Hong Kong.

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu, M. (1993). Quanzhou Songdai chenchuan taoping yongtu zhi tuice (Conjecture on the use of the pottery bottles from the Quanzhou Song Period sunken ship). Haijiaoshi Yanjiu 24: 112–114.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lo, H. (1959). A New Study of P'u Shou-Keng and His Times, (in Chinese, with English Summary). Institute of Chinese Culture, Hong Kong.

    Google Scholar 

  • Maejima, S. (1973). The Muslims in Ch'uan-chou at the end of the Yuan Dynasty (Part 1). Memoirs of the Research Department of the Toyo Bunko 31: 27–51.

    Google Scholar 

  • Maejima, S. (1974). The Muslims in Ch'uan-chou at the end of the Yuan Dynasty (Part 2). Memoirs of the Research Department of the Toyo Bunko 32: 47–71.

    Google Scholar 

  • Manguin, P. (1988). Ships and Shippers in East Asian Waters in the Mid 2nd Millennium B.C. Paper delivered at the Asian Ceramics Conference, Field Museum and Asia Ceramics Research Organization, Chicago, October 1988.

    Google Scholar 

  • Marsden, W. (trans. and ed.) (1948). The Travels of Marco Polo, The Venetian (Re-edited by Thomas Wright), Doubleday, Garden City.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mizukami, K. (1998). Saya riyo no kama tsuho ni tsuite: Sekko, Fukkensho no ryuyo o chushin ni (The methods of loading saggers into kilns with particular reference to the dragon kilns of Zhejiang and Fujian). Boeki Toji Kenkyu 18: 86–101.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moule, A. (1940). Nestorians in China: Some corrections and additions. China Society, London, Sinological Series 1: 5–37.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pearson, R., Li, M., and Li, G. (2001). Port, city, and hinterland; archaeological perspectives on Quanzhou and its overseas trade. In Schottenhammer, A. (ed.), Quanzhou and its Overseas Trade in the Song Dynasty, Brill, Leiden, pp. 177–236.

  • Qin, Z. (1990). South-Song stone anchors in China,Korea, and Japan. International Journal of Nautical Archaeology 19(2): 113–121.

    Google Scholar 

  • Quanzhou Songdai Haichuan Fajue Baogao Bianxienzu (1975). Quanzhouwan Songdai haichuan fajue jianbao (Preliminary report of the excavation of a Song Dynasty shipwreck in Quanzhou Bay).Wenwu 10: 1–18 [translated into English by Merwin, D. (1977) (same title) Chinese Sociology and Anthropology IX(3): 6-53; partially translated into French in Salmon, C., and Lombard, D. (1979). Un vaisseau du XIIIme siecle retrouve avec sa cargaison dans la rade de Zaitun. Archipel 18: 56-67].

    Google Scholar 

  • Quanzhouwan Songdai Haichuan Fuyuan Xiaozu, Fujian Quanzhou Zaoquanzhang (1975).Quanzhouwan Songdai haichuan fuyuan chutan (Preliminary attempts at the restoration of the Song Dynasty seagoing vessel in Quanzhou Bay). Wenwu (1975)10: 28–35 [translated by Merwin, D. (1977). (same title) Chinese Sociology and Anthropology IX(3): 88-106].

    Google Scholar 

  • Schottenhammer, A. (ed.) (2001). The Emporium of theWorld: Maritime Quanzhou, 1000-1400, Brill, Leiden.

    Google Scholar 

  • So, K. (1991). Tang Song Shidai Minnan Quanzhou Shidi Lungao (Papers on The Historical Geography of Quanzhou in Southern Fujian During the Tang and Song Periods), Shangwu Yinshuguan, Taibei.

    Google Scholar 

  • So, K. (1994). The trade ceramics industry in Southern Fukien during the Song. Journal of Sung Yuan Studies 24: 1–19.

    Google Scholar 

  • So, B. K. (2000). Prosperity, Region, and Institutions in Maritime China: The South Fukien Pattern, 946-1368, Harvard University Asia Center, Cambridge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Song, X. (1988). Gudai Quanzhou yu Dashi shangren (Ancient Quanzhou and Dashi merchants). Haijiaoshi Yanjiu 13(1): 162, 215–225.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stein, G. (1999). Rethinking World Systems: Diasporas, Colonies, and Interaction in Uruk, Mesopotamia, University of Arizona Press, Tucson.

    Google Scholar 

  • Swart, P. (1987). Buddhist sculptures at Feilai Feng: A confrontation of two traditions. Orientations 18(12): 54–61.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang, H. (1983). Quanzhou Kaiyuansi xingshuai chutan (Preliminary discussion on the rise and fall of the Quanzhou Kaiyuan temple). Quanzhou Wenshi 8: 51–61.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang, M. (1999). Shiqu de Fanrong: Yizuo Laocheng de Lishi Renleixue Kaocha (Lost Glory: The Historical Anthropological Investigation of a Historic City) Zhejiang Renmin Chubanshe, Hangzhou.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang, Z. (1978). Songdai de tongqian chukou jiantan Quanzhou fajue de Song chuan tongqian (The export of Song bronze coins with a discussion of bronze coins excavated from the Song shipwreck in Quanzhou). Haijiaoshi Yanjiu 1: 54–57.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wood, F. (1996). Did Marco Polo Go to China? Westview Press, Boulder.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wu, W. (1957). Quanzhou Zongjiao Shike (Stone Religious Carvings in Quanzhou), Kexue Chubanshe, Beijing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wu, Y., Wang, Y., and Huang, Q. (1986). Fujian Quanzhou Qingjingsi faxian yipiYisilanjiaobei (Islamic stelae found in the Fujian Quanzhou Qingjing Mosque). Kaogu 6: 526–530, 546.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yang, L. (1979). Government control of urban merchants in traditional China. Qinghua Journal of Chinese Studies 8(1): 186–206.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ye, W., Su, C., and Huang, S. (1988). Jinjiang Cizao yao de fachan jiqi waixiao (Discovery and export of the Cizao kilns of Jinjiang). In Zhongguo Gutaoci Yanjiuhui and Zhongguo GuWaixiao Taoci Yanjiuhui (eds.), Zhongguo Gudai Taoci Di Waixiao (The Export of Ancient Chinese Porcelain), Zijincheng Chubanshe, Beijing, pp. 61–65.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhongguo Kexueyuan Zirankexueshi Yanjiuso, Fujiansheng Quanzhou Haiwai Jiaotongshi Bowuguan Lianhe Shijuezu (Joint Excavation Team of The Institute of History of Natural Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Quanzhou Museum of Overseas Communication, Fujian Province) (1983). Quanzhou Fashi guchuan shijue he chubu tantao (Preliminary report and brief discussion of the test excavation of the ancient wreck at Fashi, Quanzhou). Ziran Kexueshi Yanjiu 2(2): 164–172.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhuang, W. (1980a). Quanzhou lidai chengzhi de tansuo (An investigation of the site of Quanzhou City through the dynasties). Quanzhou Wenshi 2(3): 14–28.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhuang, W. (1980b). Yuanmo waizu panluan yu Quanzhougang de shuailiao (Rebellion of foreign ethnic groups at the end of the Yuan Dynasty and the decline of the Quanzhou port). Quanzhou Wenshi 4: 19–26.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhuang, W. (1991). Quanzhou Songchuan wei Pujia sichuan kao (The Quanzhou Song ship as a private commercial ship owned by the Pu family). In Organization Committee for the Quanzhou Int'l Seminar on China and the Maritime Silk Road (eds.), China and the Maritime Silk Route, Fujian Renmin Chubanshe, Fuzhou, pp. 345–353.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhuang, W., and Chen, D. (1980). Quanzhou Yisilanjiao sizhi de xin yanjiu (New research on Islamic Mosque sites in Quanzhou). Quanzhou Wenshi 4: 1–10.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1890 West 17th Avenue, Vancouver, Canada, V6J 2M9, B.C.

    Richard Pearson

  2. Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan

    Li Min

  3. Chinese Civilization Center, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloontong, Kowloon, Hong Kong

    Li Guo

Authors
  1. Richard Pearson
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Li Min
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Li Guo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Pearson, R., Min, L. & Guo, L. Quanzhou Archaeology: A Brief Review. International Journal of Historical Archaeology 6, 23–59 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1014881309593

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1014881309593

Search

Navigation