Zhuke Dou
The dou (stem bowl) carries bronze, and bronze was never just a material. It was the medium of ceremony, its weight and ring part of the rite itself.
Panchi pattern weaving
This bo bell is bronze, the metal of Chinese ritual, cast in piece-moulds so the Imperial workshop could repeat a shape the ancestors would recognise. Bron…
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ring band pattern
The yan (steamer) carries bronze, and bronze was never just a material. It was the medium of ceremony, its weight and ring part of the rite itself.
zodiac mirror
This mirror is bronze, the metal of Chinese ritual, cast in piece-moulds so the Imperial workshop could repeat a shape the ancestors would recognise. Bronz…
Wei Ding
The ding (tripod cauldron) carries bronze, and bronze was never just a material. It was the medium of ceremony, its weight and ring part of the rite itself…
Jasper knotted cord tobacco bottle
The ewer is a study in patience. Dark green (bian) jade holds a polish no metal keeps, and the Imperial workshop used that slow shine to signal rank and re…
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Jasper sitting on Foshanzi
This mountain-shaped carving is cut from dark green (bian) jade, the stone the Chinese court valued above every other because it could be worked but never…
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Sapphire carved deer and crane frieze
The object is a study in patience. Green jade holds a polish no metal keeps, and the Imperial workshop used that slow shine to signal rank and restraint at…
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Jasper bamboo inkstone
This ink stone is cut from dark green (bian) jade, the stone the Chinese court valued above every other because it could be worked but never rushed. Jade d…
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Jade animal face pattern jade
This bi disc is cut from jade, the stone the Chinese court valued above every other because it could be worked but never rushed. Jade does not bend; the ca…
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