Some Ritual Privileges in Early Imperial China

There were numerous general prescriptions for ritual behavior in court in early imperial China. Exceptions to some of these were occasionally granted to eminent persons, the classic case being that of Hsiao Ho, Han Kao-tsu's illustrious adviser. These grants of special privileges and exemptions were used to enhance the prestige of various individuals, some of whom became founders of dynasties. The present paper adduces instances from the second century B.C. up to the accession of the Chin in A.D. 265

Ancient history · Archaeology · China · History of China · Chinese history and philosophy · History · Japanese History and Culture