地下“门神”——汉画像石墓门中的玄武图像研究

Guardian of the Underworld—A Study of the Xuanwu Image on Tomb Gates in Han Dynasty Stone Reliefs

摘要: “玄武”为“四神”之一，是北方神、冥神、水神、生命之神的象征。玄武形象的出现与正式确立经历了一个漫长的发展过程，汉代时期多出现于墓室墓门及壁画之上，其造型、位置构图背后反映着汉代时期的天文观念与丧葬礼仪制度。本文将运用二重证据法、图像学等研究方法，对汉画像石墓门中的玄武图像进行研究，分析其具体形态、位置及与墓门其他元素的组合关系。旨在揭示玄武在墓葬空间中作为“地下门神”，可能具有镇墓、引导墓主升天等功能，为研究汉代的宇宙观与生死观提供一定的理论参考。

Abstract: Xuanwu, one of the “Four Deities”, symbolizes the god of the north, the underworld, water, and life. The emergence and formal establishment of the Xuanwu image underwent a prolonged developmental process. During the Han Dynasty, it frequently appeared on tomb gates and murals. The design, placement, and composition of these images reflect the astronomical concepts and funerary ritual systems of the Han period. This study employs research methods such as the dual-evidence method and iconology to investigate the Xuanwu images on the gates of Han Dynasty stone relief tombs, analyzing their specific forms, positions, and compositional relationships with other elements on the tomb gates. It aims to reveal that Xuanwu, as a “guardian of the underworld” within the tomb space, likely served functions such as warding off evil spirits and guiding the tomb occupant to ascend to heaven. This research seeks to provide theoretical reference for understanding the Han Dynasty’s cosmology and views on life and death.