Fusion and Embracement in the Khitan Culture of Liao Dynasty: Symbolism in Metalwork

The Khitan of Liao Dynasty created a large amount of prairie cultural heritage in over two hundred years. Their metalwork artifacts are rich and diverse. The range of symbolic patterns in metal crafts perfectly shows the communication among different cultures. The Liao Dynasty and neighboring Northern-Song Dynasty were both descendants of the culturally prosperous Tang Dynasty. As a result, the Khitan embraced and infused the agricultural civilization of its predecessors and neighbors, while preserving its semi-nomadic transhumance heritage. The Star of David pattern of Judaism, although its exact date and geographic origin are debatable, may have entered ancient China via Persia during or prior to the Tang Dynasty. The Khitan people showed generous openness and acceptance to foreign cultures exemplified by artefacts and metal crafts. The Makara pattern originated in ancient India was introduced into China through Buddhism. This symbolism was inherited and further infused with creation of the Khitan people. Through artefact and symbolism, a glimpse of Khitan cultural inheritance, cultural exchange, cultural fusion, and embracement is revealed.