Bronze in National Palace Museum, Late Western Zhou dynasty BC857-828

Welcome to the National Palace Museum's collection of bronze artifacts from the Late Western Zhou dynasty! Here, you can explore some of the most exquisite pieces from this period, including a Hu wine vessel of Song, Mao-kung Ting, Bell of Zong-zhou, Pan water vessel of San and Xu food container of Le Ji-xian. Each of these pieces has an incredible story behind it, from the inscription on the Hu wine vessel that commemorates a ceremony in which the King of Zhou conferred titles of nobility upon Song, to the inscription on the Pan water vessel that narrates the state of Zhe's failure to invade the state of San, as well as San's subsequent annexation of a portion of Zhe's land. Come take a look at these amazing artifacts today!

1. Hu wine vessel of Song

This wine vessel would have been reserved for use on important occasions. The inscription commemorates a ceremony in which the King of Zhou conferred titles of nobility upon Song, the owner of this vessel. The text finishes by describing the responsibilities conferred by the King of Zhou during this rite and the gifts of chariots and vestments bestowed upon Song.

2. Mao-kung Ting

King Xuan of Zhou came to the throne and charged his uncle, the Duke of Mao, with governing the domestic and external affairs of state, big and small. The inscription goes on to state that the King then presented the Duke with official vestments and gifts, and that this vessel was cast in order to record the honor given to the Duke for his descendants.

3. Bell of Zong-zhou

This flat oval yong bell has a closed tile shape, with a curved mouth. There are 18 mei bosses on either side of the bell. The crown is decorated with cloud patterns, the waist on both sides of the central strip is adorned with diagonal S-shaped twin kui dragon patterns, and the center of the soundbow is decorated with left-right symmetrical dragon patterns.

4. Pan water vessel of San

The inscription on the inside of this water vessel, which is 350 characters long, narrates the state of Zhe's failure to invade the state of San, as well as San's subsequent annexation of a portion of Zhe's land. The states of San and Zhe were closely linked during the Western Zhou period, including by marriage in times of peace. This vessel was meant to leave a lasting record of San's successful territorial defense and subsequent restitution. TITLE: ORIGINAL_TEXT:With a wide and shallow basin, tall pedestal, and pair of loop handles, this water vessel presents a sense of reserved dignity The 350-character inscription on its inside pleasingly compliments the vessel's design The inscription narrates the state of Zhe's failure to invade the state of San, as well as San's subsequent annexation of a portion of Zhe's land The text precisely details the land transferred as well as the names and ranks of officials involved in the enforcement of the agreement The states of San and Zhe were closely linked during the Western Zhou period, including by marriage in times of peace This vessel was meant to leave a lasting record of San's successful territorial defense and subsequent restitution SUMMARY: The inscription on the inside of this water vessel, which is 350 characters long, narrates the state of Zhe's failure to invade the state of San, as well as San's subsequent annexation of a portion of Zhe's land. The states of San and Zhe were closely linked during the Western Zhou period, including by marriage in times of peace.

5. Xu food container of Le Ji-xian

The vessel was commissioned by Le Ji-xian to be cherished forever by all descendants to come.