Abstract
Based on literary, archaeological, and pictorial sources, this essay argues that the ideal Han official was expected to be dexterous both in wen 文 and wu 武. Scholars commonly believe that as soon as the officialdom of Han became Confucianized, especially after the establishment of the Eastern Han, the quality and value of wen was much more appreciated than that of wu. This essay analyzes central and local officials’ education, their career courses, actual services, customs, and the way of eulogy after their death. It concludes that even in the highly Confucianized Eastern Han society, officials were trained not only in Confucian classics, but also in riding, shooting, and military strategy, dressed with sword, fulfilled both civil and military duties, and were eulogized for outstanding achievements in both wen and wu.
Keywords
Han Dynasty, model of officials, dexterity in wen and wu
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