A Re-examination of the Periodization of Yuan-Dynasty Tomb Murals in China A Case Study of the Yuan-Dynasty Mural Tomb at Xiatujing, Xiaoyi, Shanxi

The periodization of Yuan Dynasty mural tombs in China has long been a vaguely defined area of study. In recent years, with the increase in tomb excavations, the chronological framework of Yuan mural tombs has gradually become clearer. This paper takes the Yuan Dynasty mural tomb at Xiatujing in Xiaoyi, Shanxi, as a case study to re-examine the issue of periodization in Yuan tomb murals. By comparing existing periodization studies and analyzing the mural content, costumes, and tomb chamber features of this tomb, it is assigned to the early Yuan period. Furthermore, the paper proposes a four-stage periodization for Yuan mural tombs: the Mongol period, early Yuan, middle Yuan, and late Yuan. The conclusion emphasizes that the periodization of Yuan tomb murals must integrate multiple factors, including political changes, regional characteristics, and ethnic integration.