Development of bronze in China

Depicted from Origins of Chinese Art and Craft

        

        The Bronze Age of China refers to the Shang Dynasty and the Western and Eastern Zhou Dynasties. Chinese bronzes underwent three stages in development:

        First, the stage of formation in the Neolithic Period of 4,500 to 4000 years ago. The number of bronze objects cast during this period was quite small and most of them were daily tools and utensils. Besides bronzes, brass and copper objects also appeared.

Flat-bottomed jue (wine vessel) 

Xia Dynasty

        Second, the stage of flourishing development lasting for more than 1,600years from the Xia Dynasty through the early Warring States Period. This was the Bronze Age in Chinese history. Bronze objects manufactured in this period consisted mainly of musical instruments, weapons and miscellaneous articles. Designs and patterns inscribed were beast faces, cicadas and other ferocious creatures. Jade, gold and silver were also inlaid in some bronze objects.

Dayu Cauldron

Western Zhou Dynasty

        Third, the transitional stage in which ritual bronze vessels gave way to every day utensils such as bronze mirrors and lamps. Bronze weapons were replaced by iron weapons. This transition took place in a period covering the late Warring States Period, the Qin Dynasty and the Western Han Dynasty. In a sense, bronze entered a period of decline.   

Boshan incense burner,

Western Han Dynasty