the Bronze Age in China

The Bronze Age in China (2000-850 BC) was a time of cultural exchange. Although there is debate about when it officially began, small quantities of bronze objects appeared in Neolithic sites before 1750-1530 BC. Metal objects were beginning to appear in the north mainland of China from 3000 BC. “The mainland was recognized to have a vigorous Bronze Age with diverse and spectacular bronzes produced by several cultures over a wide geographic area” (Barnes,181,2015). The development of creating unique bronze materials were important for ritual purposes and social status. Bronzes were used in rituals or were given as gifts and symbolized wealth and power in society. They played an important part in organizing societies in China.

As time passed, different provinces were governing and distributing materials. For example, areas along the Yellow River in Henan Province were known to be centers of the distribution of materials in which a literate society became a political and military power of the Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 B.C.) (The Met Museum, 2004). Shapes, materials, sizes, and designs of bronze artifacts varied among conquered provinces. Bronzes were prominent during the Shang and Zhou dynasties because of their fine skills of working copper alloys. Generally, bronzes were controlled by elites and may have been made in manufacturing centers by artisans. They were traded or gifted to other regional leaders and passed down from generation to generation.

Laufer- Bronzes Found in Ancient Graves And Among Family Treasures in China

background

Art dealers acquired objects from ancient burial graves in the Shaanxi Province. Many of the burial goods came from the Han period (206 BCE–220 CE) as well as from families who had objects passed down from generation to generation through their ancestors. Many of Laufer’s bronze collections were valuable heirlooms from the belongings of the families in Xi’an, Shanxi Province. While Laufer was on the T.B. Blackstone Expedition in China, in the capital of Xi’an, Shaanxi province, he had the opportunity to meet Mr. Su, an educated Muslim antiquarian, who comes from a long family line of antiquarians business since the seventeenth century. Objects Laufer collected from such dealers included bronze and copper weapons, implements, vessels, and other ritualistic items.

Here are examples of items from Laufer’s collection that were from the Chinese Bronze Age that are part of the Field Museum in Chicago and Museum of Natural History in New York:

Laufer collected a bell, large bowl, vase with handles, and a vessel for carrying wine from the Shaanxi province during the T.B. Blackstone Expedition. The vessel was made during the Zhou dynasty (B.C. 1122-247) (Laufer, 12,1934). It may have been used for ritual purposes, possibly for worshipping the dead. The bell was encrusted with gold and silver, and the inlaying technique was well practiced. It was made during the Ming dynasty or possibly later. (1368-1644 A.D) The vase with handles was designed into the shape of animals' heads. Bells would represent high ranking in society because of the encrusted golds, silvers, and coppers. Families would pass down the bells from generation to generation. Often, they would be designed with animalistic characters that were either realistic or mystical. Artisans would use divine techniques to master the works of creating large bells. During the Zhou dynasty, there would be numerous workshops to manufacture trading goods.

During an art movement under the Song dynasty (960-1279), bronze vases became popular for people who wanted to showcase objects that represented human nature and elegance. Such bronzes were used as decor in homes, as presents to give to others, and may have been used during ritual practices. Bronze objects were highly valuable and marked the social status of the family who possessed them. Objects such as the bronze bells emphasized political status and wealth. Makers of bronze musical instruments presented new forms of sophistication in their work. People wanted to purchase items that were aesthetically pleasing as well as harmonious (Laufer, 13,1907).