Tips of the Bronze
1. The history of bronze wares
Bronze ware was born in the Bronze Age of human civilization. The use of bronze ware in my country has a very long history, even dating back to before the Xia, Shang and Zhou dynasties. So far, the earliest source of bronze ware discovered in my country is the bronze knife of Majiayao culture, which has a history of more than 4,800 years.
2. Xia Dynasty Bronze Ware
The bronze wares unearthed from the Erlitou cultural site in the Xia Dynasty generally fall into five categories, namely ritual wares, weapons, musical instruments, decorative wares, and production tools. The bronze wares unearthed from the tombs of nobles in the Xia Dynasty are mainly ritual vessels and weapons.
3. Bronzeware of the Shang Dynasty
It can be said that the bronze wares of the Shang Dynasty play an important role in the history of bronze wares in my country. Compared with the Xia Dynasty, the shape, casting process and decorative patterns of the bronzes of the Shang Dynasty have made great breakthroughs. The bronze wares of the Shang Dynasty were mostly ritual vessels, and the decorations were mainly animal face patterns.
Early Western Zhou Dynasty, 11th-10th century B.C. Bogeyou, 27.9cm in height, 10.7×8.5cm in diameter, 4.95kg in weight, unearthed from Tomb No. 7, Zhuyuangou, Baoji in 1981, collected by Baoji Bronze Ware Museum
4. Bronzeware of the Western Zhou Dynasty
The Western Zhou Dynasty was an important historical moment in the development of bronze wares in my country. The number of bronze wares at this time is very large, and there are often long inscriptions on the bronze wares. These inscriptions are also an important basis for identifying bronzes from the Western Zhou Dynasty.
5. Bronze Wares of the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period
During the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, various artifacts appeared one after another in various countries. Cultural exchanges between regions have gradually increased. Casting technology was further improved. After the end of the Warring States period, ironware has been widely used.
6. Bronzeware from Qin, Han, Sui and Tang Dynasties
By the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, pottery developed vigorously and gradually replaced bronze ware. In terms of weapons, most of them are dominated by iron weapons. The bronze wares of the Sui and Tang Dynasties mostly appeared in various exquisite bronze mirrors. After the Sui and Tang Dynasties, bronzes gradually faded out of people's sight.
7. Counterfeiting methods of bronze wares
1. Counterfeit device type
2. Craft fraud
3. Rusty fake
8. The authenticity of bronze wares
1. Observe the type of bronze ware
In terms of bronze wares, there are specific wares in different ages.
2. Observe the copper quality of bronze ware
The identification of the copper quality of bronze ware is relatively simple, just look at the bottom of the bronze ware. If it is made of brass, it is a fake.
3. Observe the rust of bronze ware
Bronze ware is generally buried underground for thousands of years, and it will generate red rust, green rust, etc. The rust of the bronze ware should feel integrated with the whole object. This kind of rust is the rust color that occurs naturally, not the rust color that floats on the surface.
4. Observing the bronze pattern
The patterns on the bronzes of the Xia Dynasty are generally relatively simple; the patterns on the bronzes of the Shang Dynasty mostly have the style of complicated mattresses; the patterns on the bronzes of the Western Zhou Dynasty are similar to those of the Shang Dynasty, but the decorations tend to be simple in the late Western Zhou Dynasty; A fresh and lively feeling; the bronze wares of the Qin Dynasty paid more attention to the practical functions of the utensils themselves.
5. Observe the workmanship of bronze ware
The workmanship of ancient Chinese bronzes should be very exquisite, and there will be no bronzes with irregular shapes or rough workmanship.
6. Observing the inscriptions of bronze wares
The identification of bronze ware is mainly distinguished from the font of the utensils. The fonts used in the past should be memorized.
7. Weigh the bronze vessel with your hand
Bronze should not be too heavy or too light. If possible, you should use your hands to feel the weight of similar utensils.
Bronze Yang Gong in the Late Picture and Picture Merchant Period, sold for US$27,127,500
8. Listen carefully to the sound of bronze vessels
Gently tap the bronze ware with your hand to listen to its sound. The sound of real bronze ware should be crisp and pleasant. If the sound is muffled, muddy, or humming, you should pay more attention to further verify whether it is a counterfeit product.
