Shang Dynasty Bronze Jue

This elegant bronze vessel was made during arguably one of the most important dynasties in Chinese history. The Shang (or Yin) was based in northern China, lasted for over 500 years, and ended in 1046 BC. It is highly important to historians of ancient China for the large amount of historical information recorded on “oracle bones”, although more recent dynasties also recorded a great deal about it. It was in this period that real cultural coalescence was reached, with considerable achievements in politics, economy, culture, religion, geography, astronomy, calendar, art and medicine. The comparatively small amount of information available in written documents – especially compared with that of later dynasties – makes social interpretations difficult; even the existence of the dynasty itself was in question until written records proving it were uncovered at Anyang. What is apparent is that the Bronze-- Age polities of the time were highly warlike, with considerable defence architecture as well as monumental architecture and social complexity/stratification indicated through varying grave wealth. One of the most important industries of the time was that of bronze casting, as Chinese populations were by far the world’s most advanced when it came to the manipulation of this valuable metal. At this time, only the most socially elevated and wealthy of citizens – usually the royal court – could afford such luxuries, although its use spread until the arms too was plentifully equipped with bronze weaponry and accessories such as chariot--fittings.