Detailed Report of Explorations in Central Asia and Westernmost China
Description
Report on the results of Stein’s second expedition to Central Asia (1906-1908). Consists of three books of main text, one book of pictures, and one book of maps. Stein’s expeditions are considered the most orthodox. He collected a vast volume of artifacts and documents, produced accurate records and detailed maps. Stein wrote three volumes of reports in 11 separate books. His records are indispensable for the study of the western region. This report is the second volume. The study covers both the northern and southern routes in the western region, as far as Kangsu. During the second expedition, Stein discovered a statue of a winged angel at Miran. In 1900, he purchased a huge volume of documents and Buddhist paintings recently discovered at the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang. His other notable achievements included excavations of the ruined wall defenses from the Han Dynasty in the region north of Dunhuang.
Vol. 1: Main text No.1. Records history, ruins and excavated artefacts from various regions in the western region along the southern route from northwest India. Covers Khotan, Domoko, Niya, Endere, Charchan, Charkhlik. Lop desert, Kroraina (Loulan) and Miran.
Vol. 3: Main Text No.3. Records the history, temple ruins and fort ruins for various regions in west Kansu (Xian, Jiuquan Zhangye), the Northern route in the western region (Hami, Turfan, Kara-shahr, Kucha Maral Bashi, Khotan), and the southern route in the western region (Khotan).
Vol. 4: Paintings (total of 175 items) Terracotta fragments, wall painting fragments, seals, stucco statues, and ancient documents (Kharosthi documents and Brahmi script), Lifestyle items, wood carvings, currency, items from the Cangjing caves (Buddhist paintings, scrolls, died fabrics, documents written in various ancient scripts).
Vol 5: Maps (total of 94 sheets). Maps showing only locations of archaeological interest in a wide area stretching from Kashgar in the West to Zhuangye in the East, from the Tārīm Basin to Kansu Province. The map covers from longitude 35° north to 44° north, and from latitude 75° east to 101° east.