Bronze
Chinese bronze metal casting preceded that of any other civilization and is noted for
its artistic sophistication and technical virtuosity. In the ancient Chinese world,
bronze conferred power and signified social status and influence. The early
development of bronze-casting methods reached their zenith during the Shang
(c.1700-1050 BC) and Zhou (c.1050-221 BC) Dynasties, when elaborate ritual
vessels and weapons were produced. Whilst swords and armoury ensured military
success in this world, ritual vessels played an important role in maintaining a good
relationship with gods, ghosts and ancestors. Ritual food and drink offerings were
made in vessels decorated with animals, birds, dragons and strange mythical beasts.
Expressive geometric designs characteristic of this period form intricate symbolic
patterns that tell much about the cosmological views and lives and of the early
Chinese people. This fine decoration and elaborate shapes necessitated a
complicated process of moulding and casting.
Initially, a clay mould was formed around a replica of the piece to be cast. The clay
wrapper was then cut away in sections like orange peel, retaining the imprint of the
piece. Before the moulds were used for casting, a core was placed at the centre
ensuring that the vessel would be hollow. The core was then fired. A liquid alloy of
copper and tin was then poured into the recess between the mould and the core.
The distinctive Shang and Zhou styles became emblematic of the first great Chinese
dynasties, and recur in the design of porcelain and metalwork of later centuries.