Chinese bronze refers to objects cast in bronze in China, ranging from the ritual vessels of the ancient dynasties to later Buddhist figures, incense burners, vases, mirrors and scholars' objects. Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin, sometimes with lead, and Chinese founders developed remarkable skill in casting it.
The ritual bronzes of the Shang and Zhou dynasties, made in piece moulds and used for offerings of food and wine to ancestors, are among the greatest achievements of ancient metalwork, with forms such as the ding cauldron and gu beaker and decoration of stylised masks and dragons. Many bear inscriptions. From the Song dynasty onwards, scholarly interest in antiquity led to the production of archaistic bronzes copying ancient forms, a tradition continued in the Ming and Qing periods, when bronze censers and vases were also made for temples and studies. Gilt bronze Buddhist figures form another important category. Dating Chinese bronzes is difficult, as copies and later castings abound, and marks such as the Xuande mark were widely applied. Collectors assess casting quality, weight, patina and wear, and provenance is especially important for archaeological material.
