A Golden History

The Shanghai Museum houses one of the largest collections of antique Chinese bronzewares dated from the Xia dynasty (21 century BCE—16 century BCE). The collection has exceptional examples that have been treasured by generations of collectors, and many important wares that are historically valuable for their inscriptions. The Museum's bronze collection is famous for its varieties that encompass bronzes of diversified kinds and functions. The Shanghai Museum has a first-rate team of scholars studying bronzewares. The display of the Ancient Chinese Bronze Gallery, which was established in 1972, showcases the art history of antique bronzewares from the late Xia dynasty (18th century BCE—16th century BCE) till the Warring States period (475 BCE—221 BCE). The display, undergoing updates in the past 50 years, is now one of the best permanent displays of antique Chinese bronzewares in the world.