Han Ruler in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, July 2017

Ruler


Object Details

Period: Eastern Han dynasty (25–220)

Culture: China

Medium: Bronze

Dimensions: W. 1/2 in. (1.2 cm); L. 6 5/16 in. (16 cm)

Classification: Metalwork

Credit Line: Lent by Gansu Provincial Museum


The Han government adopted the measurement system of the Qin. The basic unit for length, or chi, equaled approximately 9 inches, or 23 centimeters. Known examples vary slightly in length, from 21.7 to 24.1 centimeters. At the time of its discovery, the present example was more than eight-tenths intact, indicating that it was originally 23.4 centimeters long. Generally, rulers of the Eastern Han period were slightly longer, and the reason for this change remains unknown.


Text from: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/734009