Essay Topic: What is Chinese tomb art? Compare two bronzes from the Shang dynasty.
Sources of information:
- National Museum of China website
- The Palace Museum of China
- Books: Early Chinese Art from Tombs& Temples, The Arts of China, Art in China
- etc.
Tentative Structure of essay
Introduction of Chinese Tomb Art:
- Origin of Chinese Tomb Art
- Chinese tomb art is funerary art
- Belief in afterlife, religion, human sacrifice
- Types of vessels
- Skills & materials
- Functions: Daily usage; ritual used (Who were they dedicated to)
- Values of the tomb art & development
The Shang Dynasty Bronzes:
- Introduction of bronzes from Shang dynasty(3 stages)
- Types ( including vessels, weapons, musical instruments, implements, agricultural tools, horse and chariot fittings and all sorts of everyday objects. )
- Comparison between two bronzes. One from the early stage and the other from a later stage when the techniques were developed & mature.
- Comparing on techniques, patterns, types, change of focus etc.
- What are the meanings behind the changes & differences
A simple drinking vessel from early Shang & the famous Square vessel (fang zun) with four rams from late Shang
Possible statement:
The bronzes are a manifestation of the politics, economics, culture and life of their time; a time capsule concept