Traveling Trunk

Bronze is a mixture of copper, tin, and a small amount of lead (10). Bronze pieces can be classified based on their function: food vessels, wine vessels, water vessels, and musical instruments.

The Chinese used bronze to create pieces that were expertly fashioned and adorned with inscriptions of Chinese characters. Some were sculpted into recognizable forms of animals or humans. These items demonstrate the great imagination and ability of early Chinese artisans and their talent for being able to create practical yet beautiful items out of a rare material.

Bronze pieces can be found today in Chinese temples (ritual vessels), schools (statues), and homes (incense burners and other decorations) (11). The designs and techniques used in ancient Chinese bronze work are not only preserved in the actual artifacts but are also found in the stylistic designs of present day Chinese architecture, furniture, and clothing.