Chinese bronzes were not only the daily utensils，work tools and weapons of the people of ancient times，but also exquisite works of master craftsmen which have been handed down from generation to generation．Their beautifuI forms．elaborate decoratipns and the moving stories that were cast on them have attracted the attention and aroused the Interest of lovers of bronzes at home and abroad．This book，copiously illustrated rwith colour pictures and sketches．Isrecom mended to readers who wish to explore the wonder of Chinese bronzes．In ianguage comprehensible to the layman，it supplies a basic knowledge on Chinese bronze art：its origin periods of development and its value a regards the study of ancient history and ancient script．The author is a specialist who has personally participated in many major archaeologicaI excavations and researched into this subject for many years．and in this book he reports on the latest results of the study and excavations of Chinese bronzes．

Preface

The Origin of Chinese Bronzes

Classification of Bronzes

“The Earth Cherishes No Treasure”

A Long History of Development

Testaments of Ancient History

From Pictographs to Seal and Clerical Scripts

Myth and Reality

Technique of Bronze Casting

Characteristics of Fine Arts

Bronze Mirrors, Belt Hooks, Seals and Coins

The Spread of Culture and Cultural Exchange

Endless New Discoveries

Appendixes

Chronology of Chinese Dynasties

Reigning Periods of the Later Shang, Western Zhou and Eastern Zhou Dynasties

Index