The only comprehensive history exhibition of bronzes at home and abroad, a blockbuster from the opening!

Bronze ware is an important symbol of ancient Chinese society entering the civilized era, and a special product of the aristocratic society that revered the ritual system. Since it was often used for rituals such as worshiping gods and ancestors, social interactions, and feasting guests, it is called 'ritual vessel'. The art of bronze in the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties, with its numerous types, exquisite patterns, and superb casting techniques, fully reflects the profoundness of Chinese culture and the outstanding creative ability of the ancients. After the Qin and Han dynasties, it declined, but it re-emerged in the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties with a retro look. The early and middle Shang dynasty was an important period for the formation and development of bronze art. The ritual system, mainly composed of wine vessel sets, was initially established with widespread decoration of animal face patterns, and the composition became increasingly intricate. A few bronzes began to show single-character inscriptions. The use of piece-mold casting was already quite skilled, and the techniques of making and joining molds were quite advanced. Starting from the Song Huizong's system of rituals and music, new ritual connotations were given to bronze art. During the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, due to the rulers' admiration for Zhu Xi's Neo-Confucianism, the ritual vessels of various levels of Confucian schools and ancestral temples followed the styles since the Northern Song dynasty. Recommended exhibits: The inlaid cross-pattern square yue axe from the Xia dynasty, the museum's treasure the Da Ke Ding, Xi Zun, the Zi Zhong Jiang Pan from the Spring and Autumn period, the Shang Yang Fang Sheng from the Warring States period, the fish-shaped pot from the Western Han, the Da Sheng Bian Zhong from the Northern Song, the Ming dynasty Spouting Fish Washer, etc.