A Golden History of Bronzes: Treasures of Shanghai Museum

Bronzes mark the beginning of civilization in ancient China. They epitomize the nobles' reverence for rites. Bronzes are called "ritual vessels", as they served as ceremonial offerings for gods or ancestors, official gifts for a mutual exchange, or utensils at banquets. Nobilities, according to their ranks, were entitled to possess bronzes of various types and sizes. Bronzes were an indispensable tool to consolidate the reign. They were a symbol of power. Looking back into the history, bronzes of the Xia, Shang and Zhou dynasties were admired for their myriad forms, intricate patterns, and superb casting techniques. They reflect the breadth and profundity of Chinese culture and the marvellous creativity of ancient Chinese. In the Qin and Han dynasties, the popularity of bronzes declined. Later in the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, the bronze art reappeared with archaism. Bronzes from the remote and border areas were distinctive in shape and style. These precious artifacts help to understand the cultural profile and mutual integration of ancient ethnic minorities in China. They have also witnessed the development of plural and integrated pattern of Chinese civilization. __________________ ShanghaiEye focuses on producing top-quality contents. Nobody knows SHANGHAI better than us. Please subscribe to us ☻☻☻ __________________ For more stories, please click ■ What's up today in Shanghai, the most updated news of the city    • Playlist   ■ Amazing Shanghai, exploring the unknown corners of the city, learning the people, food and stories behind them    • Amazing Shanghai and China 淘宝魔都玩转中国   ■ What Chinese people's lives are like during the post COVID-19 period    • COVID-19 新冠疫情   ■ Views of foreign scholars on China and its affairs    • Voices, Let's Listen! 听她他说   ■ Foreign faces in Shanghai, people living in this city sharing their true feelings    • Playlist   ■ Mini-docs showing why China is the country it is today    • Stories & Documentary 奇闻逸事记录中国   __________________ ☎Leave us messages if you have any suggestions or questions! Thank you!