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The Treasures of Eight Thousand Years

Shang and Chou Dynasties　 ca. 1600－221 B.C.E.

Timeline of Dynasties:

(1) Shang　ca. 1600－1046 B.C.E.

(2) Chou

  1. Western Chou　ca. 1046－771 B.C.E.
  2. Eastern Chou (Spring and Autumn Period; Warring States Period)　770－221 B.C.E.

 

Main selection:

Fang vessel with hunting scene design Early Warring States period (ca. 5th-3th century B.C.E)(New window)
Fang vessel with hunting scene design
Early Warring States period (ca. 5th-3th century B.C.E) 　

Introduction:

The Shang and Chou dynasties saw the height of the magnificent Bronze Age when costly bronze vessels were made exclusively for nobility. The saying, “Ritual and warfare are the most important affairs of state,” captures the importance of bronze ware in this age when bronze was cast into both weaponry and ritual implements for sacrificial offerings to ancestors. Patterns on bronze vessels were believed to convey awe and reverence to the gods and ancestors; and, inscriptions evidence sacrificial ceremonies, expeditions and royal appointments.

 

Ya-ch'ou kuei Late Shang Dynasty (ca. 13th-11th century B.C.E)(New window)
Ya-ch'ou kuei
Late Shang Dynasty
(ca. 13th-11th century B.C.E)		 Mao-kung ting Late Western Chou Dynasty (ca. 9th century to 771 B.C.E)(New window)
Mao-kung ting
Late Western Chou Dynasty
(ca. 9th century to 771 B.C.E)		 P'an with dragon design Late Shang Dynasty (ca. 13th-11th century B.C.E)(New window)
P'an with dragon design
Late Shang Dynasty
(ca. 13th-11th century B.C.E)
San P'an Late Western Chou Dynasty (ca. 9th century to 771 B.C.E)(New window)
San P'an
Late Western Chou Dynasty
(ca. 9th century to 771 B.C.E)