Discussion: The common characteristics of the evolution and development of bronze culture in Xia, Shang and Zhou Dynasties.

* * * The same characteristics: Bronze itself is closely combined with kingship, which gets rid of the impression of rough production technology and few styles in the past and is widely used by nobles.

Popular from the late Neolithic Age to the Qin and Han Dynasties, it is the most exquisite artifact in Xia, Shang and Zhou Dynasties. Small tools or ornaments first appeared, and bronze containers and weapons only appeared in the Xia Dynasty.

In the middle of Shang Dynasty, the varieties of bronzes were very rich, with inscriptions and exquisite patterns. From the late Shang Dynasty to the early Western Zhou Dynasty, the development of bronzes reached its peak.

There are many kinds of vessels, which are rich and dignified, with gradually lengthened inscriptions and rich patterns. Subsequently, the bronze matrix began to become thinner and the ornamentation was gradually simplified. From the late Spring and Autumn Period to the Warring States Period, due to the popularization and use of iron tools, copper tools became less and less.

Extended data:

During the Qin and Han dynasties, with the introduction of porcelain and lacquerware into daily life, the variety of copper containers decreased, the decoration was simple, most of them were plain, and the carcass was light.

China's ancient bronzes are our ancestors' great contribution to human material civilization, although according to the current archaeological data, Chinese bronzes appeared later than some other places in the world.

However, as far as the use scale, casting technology, plastic arts and varieties of bronzes are concerned, there is no place in the world where bronzes can be compared with ancient Chinese bronzes. This is one of the reasons why China ancient bronzes occupy a unique position in the world art history.

References:

Baidu encyclopedia-bronze ware