The emergence of bronze ware is an important chapter in the civilization history of human being. Though China is not the first country to make bronze ware in the world, it has enjoyed a unique position in the world history relying on the great variety of bronze ware, plenty of shapes, fine casting techniques and profound historical and cultural connotations.

The book introduces the splendid bronze culture of ancient China with clear and vivid description. It seems that you could hear the voice from the bronze age and experience the unique styles of the time by reading the introduction of the rare bronze ware in the book.

Preface  1

Bronze Age 3

  Bronze Ware in the Xia Dynasty 5

  Bronze Ware in the Shang Dynasty 8

  Bronze Ware in the Western Zhou Dynasty 12

  Bronze Ware in the Eastern Zhou Dynasty 18

The World of Bronze Ware 25

  Bronze Utensils 26

  Bronze Wine Vessels 40

  Bronze Water Vessels 62

  Bronze Musical Instruments 66

  Bronze Weapons 73

  Between the Gods and Man 77

Beauty of Patterns: from Legend to Reality 93

  Mysterious Patterns of Animals 95

  Abstract Patterns 100

  Lifelike Patterns 103

  Character Decoration 106

History Recorded in Inscriptions 107

  Inscriptions in the Shang Dynasty 08

  Inscriptions in the Western Zhou Dynasty 110

  Bronze Ware Inscriptions in the Eastern Zhou Dynasty 118

Convergence and Pluralism 121

  Bronze Ware of Ancient Dian People 122

  Bronze Ware of Nomads Living in the Northern Grasslands 131

Brilliant Sunset Glow 135

  Colored Painting Bronze Chariots and Horses in the Tomb of Emperor Shihuang of the Qin Dynasty 137

  Bronze Horses of the Han Dynasty i39

  Lamps · Boshan Stove 142

  Bronze Mirrors 144

Discovering, Collecting and Studying of Bronze Ware I49

  Collection and Research in the Song and Qing Dynasties 1150

  Bronze Ware Research in the 20th Century 152

Appendix: Chronological Table of the Chinese Dynasties 157