Han period. Uses in cultural contexts Han blue seems to have been favored in earlier (Zhou) periods, and Han purple in later periods (circa 400 BC). The Han pigments consist of varying combinations of blue, purple and colorless components. The grinding together of Han purple and Han blue would have allowed a variety of blue-purple shades. The pigments were used for: Beads (from late Western Zhou period (1201–771 BC) ) Octagonal sticks (from Warring States period) The Terracotta Army (Qin dynasty) Painted figurines (Han dynasty) Ceramic vessels (Han dynasty) Metal objects (Han dynasty) Wall paintings (Han dynasty) Beads Some of the earliest examples of the use of the Han pigments are beads which date back to the Western Zhou period. The pigments are either present as compact bodies or in glazed layers. Octagonal sticks These are compact bodies (solid sticks/rods) with shades ranging from light blue to dark purple. The range of colors is due to varying proportions of Han blue, Han purple, and colorless material. They are thought to be pigment sticks which were traded then ground to be used as pigment bases in paints. They may have been of importance themselves, as ceremonial or bureaucratic items of importance. Terracotta army Han purple and Han blue were first used in paints in the Qin dynasty. Han purple was used for the Terracotta Army in the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang—the expense of producing Han purple and other pigments in such large quantities would have emphasized luxury and status. Han purple seems to have mostly been used on the trousers (pants) of the warriors. The pigment was bound to the terracotta surface with lacquer. The warriors were fired at the same temperature as that needed for the manufacture of Han purple (), so the same kilns may have been used for both processes. No evidence indicates Han blue being used for the warriors (azurite was used for the blue). Painted pottery figurines Smaller painted pottery figurines have been found e.g. the Western Han dynasty Chu Tombs, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province and in the Han dynasty Yangling tombs of Emperor Liuqi and his Empress (156–141 BC). Ceramic vessels Han blue and Han purple were used to decorate Han dynasty Hu dark grey pottery vessels. Metal objects Bronze vessels in the Han dynasty, e.g. a bowl and top of a steamer, were decorated with Han purple. Wall paintings A lintel and pediment