What was the most outstanding art in Xia, Shang and Zhou Dynasties?

What was the most outstanding art in Xia, Shang and Zhou Dynasties?

During the Xia, Shang and Zhou Dynasties, the bronze art was the most outstanding, so the Xia, Shang and Zhou Dynasties were called the "Bronze Age". At present, there are few bronzes in Xia Dynasty, and they are fragmentary. Shang Dynasty was a prosperous period of bronzes, which were mostly found in ritual vessels or weapons.

The method of making bronze wares is as follows:

1. design mode.

First of all, craftsmen will design the shapes and patterns of bronzes according to their own needs and uses. This step requires craftsmen to have good aesthetic concepts and painting skills.

2. Make a mold.

After the design is completed, craftsmen will make bronze molds according to the patterns. The molds of ancient bronzes usually used clay, gypsum or sand. The process of making molds requires craftsmen to have superb skills and rich experience.

3. Smelting bronze.

Smelting bronze is to melt copper, tin and other metals into liquid state for casting. According to the requirements and characteristics of bronzes, craftsmen will mix copper and tin in an appropriate proportion. In the process of smelting, it is necessary to control the time and temperature to ensure the quality of bronze.

4. casting.

Casting is pouring molten bronze into a mold to solidify it. The casting methods of ancient bronzes mainly include stone mold casting, soil mold casting and lost wax casting. In the casting process, it is necessary to ensure the fluidity and solidification speed of bronze liquid in order to form a complete bronze ware.

5. Polishing and dressing.

After bronze casting is completed, there are usually some defects and redundant edges on the surface. Craftsmen need tools such as files and grinding wheels to polish and trim bronzes, so as to make their surfaces smooth and their patterns clear. This process requires great patience and skill of craftsmen.

6. Wrong gold, inlaid treasure and other decorations.

In order to increase the ornamental value and symbolic significance of bronzes, some bronzes are also decorated with wrong gold and inlaid treasures. Wrong gold is inlaid with gold foil in the pattern on the surface of bronze ware, while inlaid treasure is inlaid with precious stones in bronze ware. These decorative techniques require craftsmen to have exquisite skills and rich experience.

7. Polishing and maintenance.

Finally, craftsmen will polish and maintain the bronzes to make them shiny and colored. The polishing methods of ancient bronzes mainly include grinding, burning and pickling. Maintenance requires regular cleaning and application of skin care products to keep bronzes in good condition.