Thunder, dragon tails, wisps of clouds—the decorations on bronze vessels of this period connect the earthly and the divine.
1046–771 B.C.E.
videos + essays
We're adding new content all the time!
Square lidded ritual wine container (fangyi)
Zhou dynasty bronzes preserve one of the earliest forms of Chinese writing in their simple, highly pictographic inscriptions
Da Ke Ding
Not for everyday use, this ritual bronze vessel is significant in function and in heft. It weighs over 400 pounds!
Browse Smarthistory images for teaching & learning!
