Archaic Bronze									      
The  Chinese  Bronze Age seems to have commenced in  earnest  in  early  Shang  (16th to
11th centuries BC).  Pieces as  far  back as these are well-represented  in  The  Lee  Kong
Chian Art Museum.  We have various bronze weapons and implements dating to  the early
Shang,   Zhou,   Spring   and   Autumn,   and   Warring  States  period.   Our  beautiful  and
comprehensive collection of bronze food and elegant wine vessels goes back also to Shang
times, whilst our extensive  collection of bronze mirrors finds its  way back to the  Warring
States period. Bronze artefacts were originally made for everyday use, though presumably
only a minority of people could afford  them.  By the later part of the  Shang  period,  many
of the bronze items  were used on ceremonial occasions,  e.g. paying  homage to the spirits.
Naturally,  the possession of bronze was a symbol of  wealth,  power and status.  In time to
come, a stately  bronze might also be cast to commemorate an important event.  The art of
bronze  casting  can  be  said  to  have  reached  its  peak  from  the  mid-Shang  to the mid-
Western Zhou  (C11 - 771 BC)  period.  Thereafter, its decline began.