Other Bronze in National Palace Museum, part1

Welcome to the National Palace Museum's collection of Other Bronzes from China's imperial past! Here, you can explore a variety of artifacts, including P'an with Coiled K'uei-dragon Pattern, Chime-bell Set of Zi-fan, Ting with Coiled Serpent Pattern, Chia Measure, Pan Water Vessel with Coiling Dragon Pattern, Lei Wine Vessel with Goat-head High Reliefs and Knob Pattern, Oval Liang Measure by Imperial Decree of 26th Year, Shakyamuni Buddha, Square Zun Wine Vessel of Ya-chou and Yue Battle Ax with Animal Mask Pattern and Turquoise Inlay. These artifacts provide us with an insight into the culture and technology of ancient China. Come take a look at these incredible pieces today!

1. P'an with Coiled K'uei-dragon Pattern

Ceremonial washing with water vessels was important in ancient China, especially for women's marriages. This practice became popular during the Western Zhou period and continued to be used during the Spring and Autumn period.

2. Chime-bell set of Zi-fan

The Museum purchased 12 pieces of "Zi-fan" chimes in September 1994. 8 of them belonged to one set, and the remaining 4 were the second half of another set. The chimes were commissioned by Hu Yan, the uncle of Prince Chong-Er (696-628 B. C. E

3. Ting with Coiled Serpent Pattern

As the state of Qin developed during the mid Spring and Autumn period, its bronze ceremonial vessels became more unique. However, it was not until the middle of the Warring States period that they began to be strongly influenced by the vessels from Wei of San-chin.

4. Chia Measure

Wang Mang became the ruler of the Xin dynasty after he took the throne from the Han dynasty. He kept the same standards as the past rulers and had new measures made. These measures were called "Chia liang (measures)." This Chia measure is made up of five measures.

5. Pan water vessel with coiling dragon pattern

This pan plate has a coiled dragon on the well, with the head raised and in the center of the plate. The edges have kui dragon, bird, and fish patterns. The exterior walls have rust, but you can see kui dragon patterns with bowed heads. This is from the late Shang period.

6. Lei wine vessel with goat-head high reliefs and knob pattern

This vessel has a tapered mouth and round shoulders. On the shoulders are goat heads in high relief, flat bird patterns in relief, and patterns of kui dragons with lowered heads.

7. Oval Liang Measure by imperial decree of 26th year

The First Emperor of Imperial Qin annexed the other six states and established one grand empire under the heaven. He called himself the First Emperor, replaced the antiquated feudal system with centralized governance, and standardized the written language as well as weights and measures.

8. Shakyamuni Buddha

The Buddha is shown sitting in the full lotus position on a two-tiered stand, with his right hand in the abhaya mudra and his left hand resting on his robe.

9. Square Zun wine vessel of Ya-chou

Cast "Yachou" vessels have often been excavated from Suputun in Itu, Shandong. This has led scholars to believe that "Yachou" represents the "Poku" clan mentioned in the ancient "Zozhuan" text.

10. Yue battle ax with animal mask pattern and turquoise inlay