国立情報学研究所 - ディジタル・シルクロード・プロジェクト
『東洋文庫所蔵』貴重書デジタルアーカイブ

Sec. vii]   FINDS IN RUINS L.B. iv—vi   401

been explained above.4 A wooden weaving needle, L.B. iv. i. 006, and a flat horn spoon, L.B. iv. i. 003 (both in Plate XXXV), may also receive passing mention.

The room ii immediately adjoining on the north-east was larger, measuring i7 by 20 feet. The Clerical re-

sitting platform found along three of its walls was about one foot high and secured by a revetment mains from

L.B. iv. ii.

which was formed of massive beams carefully joined. Here, too, a considerable number of interesting objects was unearthed. Besides a well-preserved wedge covering-tablet with Kharosthi address, L.B. iv. ii. i, a wooden tablet of unusual type, L.B. iv. ii. 002, was found here, measuring about three and a half by three inches. It shows a narrow raised border enclosing a central space sunk into the wood, as if for the reception of wax or some similar coating, and it thus distinctly recalls a Roman waxed tablet. Bevelled cuts on the four sides of the back seem intended for fastening the tablet face to face with another of the same make. The clerical use to which the room was put is further proved by the find of three seal-cases, L.B. iv. ii. 0010-12, of the type familiar from the Niya Site. The piece of white quartz ground in rhomboid form, L.B. iv. ii. 003, may have been used, after the fashion still prevailing among Chinese, for preparing Indian ink on.

The fragment of a well-woven woollen carpet in red and blue, L.B. Iv. ii. 0013 (Plate XXXVII), Decorated

shows some novel features in its technique. But far 'more interesting is the well-preserved woven textile re-

mains.

slipper, L.B. iv. ii. ooi6 (Plate XXxvIi), on account of the elaborate decoration of its 4 uppers '. They are covered with a figured polychrome woollen fabric woven to shape in one piece. Above the brocade-like pattern running round the sides and lower part of the toe there is inserted in front a crescent-shaped piece with a succession of bands which show tasteful geometrical designs in a variety of exquisitely matched colours. Their general style curiously recalls Coptic work as illustrated by fabrics from Egyptian graves.°

Among implements may be mentioned the fragment of an iron knife, L.B. iv. ii. ooi Miscel-

(Plate XXXVI) ; a horn knife-handle, L.B. iv. ii. oo6 (Plate xxxv) ; a wooden bar, L.B. iv. ii. 0or 5 laneous

implements.

(Plate xxxv), probably meant as a bow-grip. The curious distaff like object, L.B. iv. ii. 005, close on eleven inches long, consisting of a, plain shaft swelling into a rounded knob near one end, has, like two other specimens from this ruin, L.B. iv. oos (Plate XxxV) and L.B. iv. v. oo6, been recognized by Mr. T. A. Joyce as a wooden bird-arrow. It was used for killing birds without spoiling the feathers by blood. The little wooden cross, L.B. iv. ii. 009 (Plate xxxv), which, just like the modern chzcluk of Turkestan, was used for tying up lambs, may well be a relic of the time when the building had become a sheep-pen. For a variety of other small objects, including plentiful fragments of fabrics in wool, silk, and felt, found in this part of the building and in the fenced courtyard iii close by, a reference to the entries under L.B. iv. ii—v and w. iii in the list below must suffice.° Here I may also conveniently mention the pottery specimens L.B. iv. ooi and Iv. Pottery ii—v. oo6 (both in Plate xxxvI). They represent two well-defined ceramic types common at the . specimens. site and characteristic of the period when the ancient Chinese route led past here. The first is typical of the better-class local ware in red clay, and the other of the dark grey mat-marked ware which my explorations along the Tun-huang Limes have proved to be associated throughout with Chinese occupation during Han times.?

The large room, iv, at the southern corner of the building measured 28 by 26 feet inside, and Refuse-filled had preserved its timber and wattle walls to a height of about three feet almost everywhere. Fig. 1o6 large Îroom shows its area before excavation, and Figs. 109 and i 1 o after. What at first had seemed the floor

' See above, p. 398.   0 See below, p. 446.

0 For examples see for instance the plates in Forrer,   7 See above, p. 384; below, chap. xv. sec. iv, v.

Seidenlexlilien von Achmtin und Panopolis.

1374   3F