Large quantities of bronze objects of the Shang (16th-11th centuries B.C.) and Zhou (11th century to 771 B.C.) dynasties -- Chinese Bronze Age, have been unearthed, and about half of them are wine vessels. During this period bronze articles were valued as highly as gold is today. Bronze was mainly used to make weapons, sacramental vessels and musical instruments. Ceremonial bronze vessels were indicative of the status of their owners.

In the Shang Dynasty, such vessels also had their use at banquets, and had diverse functions. Some were for heating and storage, others served as flasks, and there were also, of course, drinking sets. Each category came in various styles.

Lacquer wine cup of the Han Dynasty .

A prominent characteristic of Shang and Zhou dynasty drinking implements is that vessels were often fashioned in the shape of animals, such as tigers, elephants, rhinoceroses, oxen, goats, and owls. This indicates the prevalence of nature worship among ancients. Ferocious animals were regarded as symbols of authority, capable of exorcising evil spirits, while oxen, goats and other domestic animals were symbols of wealth, and generally auspicious.

Bronze wine vessels, whether animal-shaped or otherwise, were exquisitely decorated. Their designs included the taotie (ogre-mask), clouds and thunder, kui-dragon, and tiger. There were also human mask engravings. Vessels of the Shang Dynasty were generally large, often as tall as 50 centimeters.

People of the Shang Dynasty are known to have derived great enjoyment from drinking -- nobles and commoners alike. In Shang tombs the placement of goblets took precedence over dishes of food, which would suggest that drinking was regarded as more important than eating.

Page:

1

2

3

4

5

6

All rights reserved. Reproduction of text for non-commercial purposes is permitted provided that both the source and author are acknowledged and a notifying email is sent to us.