In the western world, people do not consider bronze sculptures to be the best type of artwork. However, when one understands the ancient history of Chinese art, it is obvious that bronze works had a unique importance in their culture. Therefore, it is quite possible that the people of the West are missing out on something of great value and interest. It should be understood that the Chinese bronze art of the 2nd and 1st millennium BC was one of the most important discoveries in the entire sphere of world art. It all started a long time ago with the invention of an interesting new material. This new material was “bronze”. It turned out to be a useful alloy made of copper and tin. Through the careful mixing and melting of certain minerals in different proportions, this material was carefully crafted. It turned out to be harder, more durable and more colorful than all of the above!
Today, no one is entirely sure if the secret to the creation of bronze was exported to China from Western and Central Asia. In these regions, the bronze material seems to have appeared earlier than in China. Regardless of its origin, the Chinese used bronze differently than other places. In the West, bronze was used for weapons and production tools. However, in the Middle Kingdom bronze was used for rituals and elegant vessels. This fact gives us a completely unique perspective on the Western concept of the “Bronze Age”.
The earliest Chinese bronze sculptures were made using what is known as the “piece-cast method.” This innovation in technology typically involved a clay model accompanied by a series of ceramic molds and cores. From a technical point of view, it was closely related to the pottery traditions of an even earlier period. Potters of Neolithic cultures were skilled at shaping and firing a variety of ceramic vessels. These included vessels such as cups, jugs, jugs, bowls, and tripods. These elegant vessels were generously decorated with painting or incision. They also appeared in several unique motifs.
While these techniques laid the foundation for the development of bronze artwork, the making of a bronze vessel was very special compared to mere pottery. The art of bronze required a great deal of resources, particularly the organized mobilization of skilled craftsmen. The elaborate and organized effort involved in making these bronze vessels indicates that they were intended for distinctive ceremonies and religious rituals. They were certainly not for common, everyday use. Therefore, while the modern scholar tries very hard to appreciate Chinese bronzes, he almost immediately runs into a major obstacle. What exactly was its role?
This problem is directly reflected in the classification of bronze art. In classical Chinese texts on the subject, they are given names such as “ding”, “gui”, “hu”, “jue”, “dou”, “you” and “zun”. These classical records also provide us with descriptions of how ancient Chinese bronze vessels were used in early rituals of the time. As an example, in the Zhouli (or “Zhou Rites”), the ding tripod is described as a container for meat offerings. The stemmed dou-bowl was known as a container for meat sauces and certain types of vegetables. Some of the other texts, such as the Yili (“Book of Rites”) and the Liji (“Records of Rites”) contain extensive details on how these ritual vessels were used. While all of this is true, it is important to consider that the ancient texts tell us how ritual vessels “should” be used. Its actual use is somewhat more difficult to establish with one hundred percent certainty.
With an even deeper study of this interesting archaeological subject, it is not an exaggeration to say that bronze sculptures are a very ancient and important part of Asian art. This is very easy to establish from the evidence provided in the past culture and history of ancient China. Therefore, if you want to create a complete Asian decoration, the inclusion of some bronze sculptures seems necessary. Bronze art gives the room a very historic appeal right next to more contemporary home furnishings. A talented Asian decorator will want to make selective and deliberate use of bronze art!