A Visit to the Shanghai Museum East Branch (Part 4): Xia, Shang, and Zhou Dynasty Bronzes

The Shanghai Museum East Branch, located on Century Avenue in Pudong New District, Shanghai, officially opened to the public in December of last year. The museum houses 20 exhibition halls, including eight permanent exhibition halls: the Bronze Gallery, Calligraphy Gallery, Painting Gallery, Seal Carving Gallery, Ceramics Gallery, Currency Gallery, Sculpture Gallery, and Jade Gallery. All exhibits are arranged chronologically according to ancient Chinese history, showcasing a comprehensive collection of artifacts from various periods. Each permanent exhibition hall is a "museum sanctuary" in its respective field. This post highlights the exquisite bronzes from the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties displayed in the *Ancient Chinese Bronzes* exhibition hall on the 1st floor of the Shanghai Museum East Branch: 1️⃣ Forbidden-to-leave-the-country artifacts (Figures 2 & 3) ⭐⭐ Dake Ding (Large Ke Cauldron) from the Western Zhou Dynasty Considered one of the "Three Treasures within the Seas," along with the Dayu Ding and Maogong Ding, this cauldron was unearthed in Renjia Village, Famen Town, Fufeng County, Shaanxi Province. The inscription of 290 characters inside the cauldron records Ke's praise for his ancestor Shi Hua Fu, as well as the Zhou king's decree and rewards bestowed upon Ke. ⭐⭐ Set of Jin Hou Su Bells from the Western Zhou Dynasty Unearthed from Tomb No. 8 in Beizhao Village, Quwo County, Shanxi Province, this set originally consisted of 16 bells. The Shanghai Museum houses 14, while the Shanxi Museum houses the remaining two. The bells are consistent in size and shape, and their inscriptions can be combined to form a coherent text. This text records Jin Hou Su's participation in the Zhou king's expedition against the Suyi people in the east, filling a gap in historical records. 2️⃣ Late Xia Dynasty Bronzes (Figures 4-6) ⭐ Inlaid Cross-patterned Yue Axe The circular hole of this square axe is inlaid with two rows of turquoise string patterns, with two rows of cross patterns in between. The arrangement is neat, orderly, and varied, demonstrating exquisite craftsmanship. ⭐ Inlaid Animal Mask Plaque ⭐ Waisted Jue Wine Vessel, Jue Wine Vessel with Nipple-shaped Decoration, Beaded Jia Wine Vessel, and Single-winged Bell 3️⃣ Shang Dynasty Bronzes (Figures 7-12) ⭐ Zun Wine Vessel with Bull Head and Animal Mask Design ⭐ Yafang Lei Wine Vessel ⭐ Siyangshou Bu Jar with Four Ram Heads ⭐ Dragon-patterned Ding Cauldron with Flat Feet ⭐ Xiaocheng You Wine Vessel ⭐ Jia Wine Vessel with Animal Mask Design, Fu Yi Yu Wine Vessel, Huang Zhi Wine Vessel, and Pig-shaped You Wine Vessel 4️⃣ Western Zhou Dynasty Bronzes (Figures 13-18) ⭐ Fu Yi Gong Wine Vessel This vessel has a unique and solemn shape, featuring characteristics of various animals. Its ornate decoration reflects the exquisite bronze casting techniques of the Western Zhou Dynasty. ⭐ E Shu Gui Food Container ⭐ De Ding Cauldron ⭐ Lu Hou Zun Wine Vessel, Mu Gui Yan Steamer, Jin Hou Dui Xu Food Container, and Zhong Yi Fu Yi Wine Vessel ⭐ Ren Gui Food Container, Jia Gui Food Container, Peng Sheng Gui Food Container, and Sihu Bo Bell with Four Tigers ⭐ Shi Ju Fang Yi Ritual Vessel, Gui Gu Fang Zun Wine Vessel, Hou Chao Fang Ding Cauldron, and Elephant Head and Animal Patterned Yue Axe All photos were taken by me. Please do not reprint or reuse them.