The Art of China - Chou, an Era of Splendid Bronze Metal Work

The Chou Dynasty belonged to the Chinese Bronze Age and ranged from 1122 and 221 BC. During this 900-years rule, the Chinese culture saw several changes in its economy, politics, science, and society & traditions, especially art. The initial period of Chou Dynasty is called "Western Chou" (11th century BC to 771 BC) and the later half is referred to as "Eastern Chou" (770 BC - 221 BC). The Chou Art of China included mediums, such as bronzes, jades, ceramics, and textiles, embellished with varied designs.

The Chou Art witnessed improved artistry with the discovery of iron. Some of the ancient Western Chou Art works of China were the Bronze ritual vessels, used during Chinese ceremonies. These vessels were also used as decorated pots, wine jars, and water vessel. Most of these jars were modeled in animal shapes, like birds and dragons, while coated with the inscriptions of about 300 odd Chinese characters. These bronze vessels are testimonials to the ancient imperial attributes of Chinese culture and music. Later on, in the Eastern Chou Dynasty, these bronze jars and vessels moved away from having religious significance to becoming the social symbols of wealth and power. Bronze was also used to make bells, mirrors, belt-hooks, candelabras, and weapons. In addition, after 722 BC, the designs and the shapes of these bronze utensils got simpler with 'Abstract' patterns and minimal or no inscription.

During the Chou Dynasty, many meticulous techniques were used for making functionally purposeful potteries. The potter's wheel was rarely used; instead, the hard gray clay pieces were hand molded, leaving no sign of glaze on their surfaces. During the Chinese burials, these potteries were placed with the dead.

Under the Eastern Chou Art of China, several complicated jade ornaments & pendants were made with materials, like agate and glass. These ornaments had carved images of curling chih dragons, grain seeds, and also had cloud patterns on them. The jade ornaments were important objects in ceremonies and rituals and they also depicted a person's social stature. Eastern Chou Art forms of China also included lacquer craft, practiced in Southern China. Lacquer is a red colored sap of the lac tree. It was used to make lightweight boxes, dishes, and even small statuettes. In the last years of the Eastern Chou Dynasty, silk was used as a canvass on to which, the scenes of landscapes and people were painted.

Annette Labedzki received her BFA at the Emily Carr College of Art and Design in Vancouver, B.C. Canada. She has more than 25 years experience. She is the founder and developer of an online art gallery featuring original art from all over the world. It is a great site for art collectors to buy original art. Is is also a venue for artists to display and sell their art . Artists can join for free and their image upload is unlimited. Please visit the website at http://www.labedzki-art.com