Complete Collection of Chinese Bronzes, Volume 5: Western Zhou Dynasty (1)

Author: Editorial Committee of the Complete Collection of Chinese Bronzes
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1996-07-01
Features: Early Western Zhou bronzes largely inherited the style of late Shang bronzes, while introducing some new modifications and improvements in form and design, developing their own style in casting inscriptions. From the middle to late Western Zhou period, bronze decorative art shifted from mysterious and enigmatic to simple and elegant, with a preference for concise and clear designs. The three capitals of Zhou—Qiyi in Zhouyuan, Fenghao in Zongzhou, and Luoyi in Chengzhou—were the centers of Western Zhou rule, where royal members and key officials resided before the Zhou conquest of Shang and during the three centuries of Western Zhou rule. These regions yielded a large number of bronzes with diverse types and rich inscriptions. These bronzes, whether in their design, decorative patterns, inscribed scripts, or casting techniques, are highly representative, showcasing strong characteristics and stylistic features of their time, holding significant importance in the history of bronze development. This book selects 170 bronzes from the three capitals of the Western Zhou, including fine pieces from Taiwan Province and overseas collections.