전근대 중국의 玳瑁 소비 형태와 인식

Abstract

In China, Hawksbill sea turtle shells have been an important treasure since ancient times. Turtle shells were used as materials for making various utensils or as decorations for goods. The emperor and other imperial figures used turtle shell utensils, and over time, turtle shell came to be recognized as a material for making goods exclusively for the emperor. Eventually, turtle shell utensils became symbolic items of the emperor and played a role in representing the emperor's power and dignity. Also, turtle shell was used as a medicine. At first, turtle shell was recognized as a medicine for detoxification, but it also became widely used for symptoms of diseases in which external toxic substances invaded the body. The mystical nature of turtle has exaggerated the medicinal properties of turtle shells. It is believed that the mystical efficacy of turtle shells, which can even eliminate Gu[蠱], was further developed in connection with the Chinese idea of ​​worshipping turtles as a symbol of longevity. The mystical effects believed to be possessed by the turtle shell promoted the consumption of turtle shell instruments, and the emperor's exclusive use of turtle shells was also promoted by this view.