Other Bronze in National Palace Museum, part1

Welcome to the National Palace Museum's collection of other bronze artifacts! Here, you can explore a variety of different bronze pieces from China's past. We have a P'an with Coiled K'uei-dragon Pattern, Chime-bell set of Zi-fan, Ting with Coiled Serpent Pattern, Mirror of Shang-fang with TLV pattern, Gilt Beast-footed Tsun with Mountain Design, Hu vessel with Hunting Scenes Inlaid in Copper-like Paste, Shakyamuni Buddha, Zun wine vessel in the shape of animal with metal wire and turquoise inlay, Mirror with Lion and Grapevine Decorations, and Square Zun wine vessel of Ya-chou. These pieces are all unique and beautiful, and they provide us with a glimpse into the culture and customs of ancient China. Come take a look at these incredible artifacts today!

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

Water vessels were used in ceremonial washing and gradually became popular in the middle and late Western Zhou period, flourishing in the Spring and Autumn period.

2. Chime-bell set of Zi-fan

The Museum purchased 12 pieces of "Zi-fan" chimes in September 1994. By joining the respective inscription on each chime, eight proved to have belonged to one set, together with 132 characters (two dittoed) in the complete text. The remaining four were the second half of another set.

3. Ting with Coiled Serpent Pattern

As the state of Qin began to emerge during the mid Spring and Autumn period, so too did its unique bronze vessels. However, it wasn't until the middle of the Warring States period that these vessels began to be heavily influenced by those from Wei of San-chin.

4. Mirror of Shang-fang with TLV pattern

This mirror has a round knob in the center and is decorated with geometric patterns, protrusions, the Four Spirits, and immortal figures. There is also a ring of auspicious text that states that "the making of this 'fine' mirror is of great favor.

5. Gilt Beast-footed Tsun with Mountain Design

The tsun was a type of wine vessel used during the Han dynasty. These vessels were often quite refined, with gilt surfaces and outer decorations composed of images of spirits, auspicious beasts, and winged (immortal) figures. These images represented paradise as envisioned by people in the Han dynasty.

6. Hu vessel with Hunting Scenes Inlaid in Copper-like Paste

This is a hu vessel from the early Warring States period. It is decorated with birds and snakes on the neck, spirit figures on the shoulders, and figures and animals on the belly. The area below the belly is filled with hooked-cloud and geometric patterns.

7. Shakyamuni Buddha

The Buddha figure is represented in the full lotus position sitting on a two-tiered stand. The inner section of the body halo behind the Buddha figure has seven Buddha icons, with U-shaped flames adorning the outer section, accentuating the figure and enhancing its grandeur.

8. Zun wine vessel in the shape of animal with metal wire and turquoise inlay

This vessel is in the shape of a strong, four-legged animal with big ears, round eyes, and a tail. The muscles and posture of the animal look realistic. The surface of the vessel is a dark brown color, with green spots.

9. Mirror with Lion and Grapevine Decorations

This Tang dynasty mirror is special because it is decorated with foreign elements. The lions and grape vines make it a unique and beautiful piece. Emperor Qianlong of the Qing dynasty liked it so much that he had a special case made for it.

10. Square Zun wine vessel of Ya-chou