Resource Acquisition and Cultural Interaction of Amber in Liao Dynasty: Symbolism of Amber in Joint Burial Tomb of Princess Chen and Her Husband

Khitan in Liao Dynasty was the one that used amber most in Chinese history. The tomb of the Princess Chen and her husband is the tomb of the Liao Dynasty with the largest number and most abundant varieties of unearthed amber. From the producing to prosperity, Khitan had actively engaged in political transactions and economic trade with other nations, and continuously integrated the Han and foreign culture while maintaining their own characteristics, forming a unique and brilliant culture. This integration of culture influenced different kinds of art including amber. However, the local mine produced little amber in Liao Dynasty, and comparative study found that amber owned by Khitan people had obvious distinction with local amber. It is speculated that the amber used at that time was from the Baltic region of Europe and entered Liao territory via the ancient Silk Road. Based on the shape, theme and craft, the amber of Liao Dynasty not only displayed Khitan's characteristics of the nomadic, but also displayed its integration of the Han culture represented by dragon, and western culture represented by Buddhism. Amber artifacts illustrate the interactive relationship between Khitan culture and other cultures.