Explore Bronze Artifacts of the Zhou Dynasty Period at Sotheby’s

The Zhou dynasty was a royal dynasty of China that ruled for 789 years and is the longest dynastic period in Chinese history. Many people believe this time period to be the height of Chinese bronze ware production. Additionally, the use of bronze ceremonial objects, statues, decorations, and weaponry indirectly contributed to the legitimacy of the Zhou. One of the bronze artifacts available in this Power / Conquest: The Forging of Empires event, presented by Sotheby’s, is the Jian Min Fang Zun vessel from the Western Zhou dynasty. The vessel has a cast to the interior with a 51-character inscription. The bronze pot is dated to the era of King Mu, who reigned from 976 to 922 BCE. 

Another bronze item available is a malachite and copper-inlaid bronze vessel and cover (Fang Hu) from the Eastern Zhou dynasty. The bronze vessel dates from 475 to 221 BCE, or the second half of the Eastern Zhou dynasty, called the Warring States period. The Warring States was marked by conflict as well as administrative and military reforms and centralization. Explore the complete catalog for this auction and register to bid on Sotheby’s.