Bronze

Qin Shihuang’s imperial edict

This object is bronze, the metal of Chinese ritual, cast in piece-moulds so the Imperial workshop could repeat a shape the ancestors would recognise. Bronz…

Qin Shihuang’s imperial edict Read More »

Inlaid red copper hunting pattern pot

This hu (pouring vessel) is bronze, the metal of Chinese ritual, cast in piece-moulds so the Imperial workshop could repeat a shape the ancestors would rec…

Inlaid red copper hunting pattern pot Read More »

Animal pattern flower cup

This gu (beaker) is bronze, the metal of Chinese ritual, cast in piece-moulds so the Imperial workshop could repeat a shape the ancestors would recognise.…

Animal pattern flower cup Read More »

Five-ring lidded kettle with inlaid red copper elephant pattern

The hu (pouring vessel) carries bronze, and bronze was never just a material. It was the medium of ceremony, its weight and ring part of the rite itself.

Five-ring lidded kettle with inlaid red copper elephant pattern Read More »