Page 71 - China, 5000 years : innovation and transformation in the arts

Ritual Bronzes

Epitome of Ancient
Chinese Civilization

Ma Chengyuan

Director, The Shanghai Museum

All the major civilizations of the ancient

world passed through a developmental

phase that we call the Bronze Age. In

ancient China bronze vessels were

essential symbols of monarchic rule and

of aristocratic status, and this special

significance brought about the

exceptional development of Chinese

bronze workmanship. The magnificence

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