Chinese Ancient Bronze Sakamoto Collection (Nara National Museum)

Описание: Let's talk about the collection of ancient Chinese bronzes (the Sakamoto Collection) on display at the Nara National Museum's Bronze Gallery. We invite you to come and see the actual artifacts at the Nara Museum.
The Sakamoto Collection is a collection of over 380 ancient Chinese bronzes donated by Mr. Gorō Sakamoto (1923-2016), the first president of the antique store "Fugen-dō" and a renowned collector of antique art. This donation consists of bronze vessels and musical instruments primarily from the Shang (商) and Han (漢) periods (17th century BC to the 3rd century AD), which Mr. Sakamoto passionately collected throughout his life. It includes not only containers and instruments but also weapons, chariots and horse harnesses, agricultural tools, and writing utensils, among others. We encourage you to visit the Nara Museum and witness this remarkable collection firsthand.
Bronze vessels played a significant role in ancient Chinese civilization. During the Shang Dynasty, ritual bronzes known as "yi" were primarily used as vessels for ancestral worship in ancestral temples and were highly regarded as ceremonial utensils. As the Zhou Dynasty emerged, ancestral worship declined, and the emphasis shifted to the number of ritual vessels owned as symbols of social hierarchy.
The Sakamoto Collection includes bronze ritual vessels known as "yi" spanning from the early Shang Dynasty to the Qin and Han Dynasties, and it contains numerous artistically excellent pieces. These artifacts showcase a wide range of patterns and decorations, contributing to the study and understanding of ancient Chinese bronzes.
The Sakamoto Collection is highly esteemed for its valuable holdings and has been made accessible to numerous individuals for exhibition and research purposes. This collection serves as a valuable resource for those interested in ancient Chinese civilization and bronze culture.
Bronze vessels from the Chinese Shang and Zhou Dynasties (16th century BCE to 256 BCE) played a crucial role in the ancient Chinese civilization. The Shang and Zhou periods witnessed the pinnacle of China's bronze culture, marked by the flourishing development of sculpting techniques and the creation of exceptional craftsmanship.
Bronze vessels from the Shang Dynasty (16th century BCE to 11th century BCE) are primarily known as "yi" vessels."Yi" vessels were used as ritual implements in ancestral temple ceremonies to worship ancestral gods, fulfilling the role of ceremonial vessels. These vessels held significant importance in rituals, and their shapes and decorations were considered to represent the meaning of the ceremonies and the social status of the participants.
As the Zhou Dynasty (11th century BCE to 256 BCE) began, the importance of ancestral worship declined, and there was a stronger emphasis on the significance of ritual vessels for nobles and feudal lords. Bronze vessels from the Zhou period exhibited diverse shapes and decorations, serving as symbolic representations of social status and position. Additionally, there was a thriving production of bronze instruments and weapons associated with rituals and warfare.
The bronze vessels from the Shang and Zhou Dynasties are highly regarded worldwide for their technical mastery and artistic expression. With advancements in sculpting and casting techniques, intricate patterns and carvings were applied to bronze vessels. These bronze artifacts were used as part of religious and social rituals in ancient Chinese society, reflecting the cultural and belief systems of that time. They stand as exceptional examples of craftsmanship and serve as significant cultural artifacts.
The bronze vessels from the Shang and Zhou Dynasties receive high acclaim in the antique market and museums due to their beauty and significant historical and cultural value. These bronze artifacts are recognized as a heritage of ancient Chinese civilization, serving as subjects of study and admiration. Their artistic value and cultural significance are widely acknowledged and appreciated.
The bronze vessels from the Shang and Zhou Dynasties are highly esteemed in the antique market and museums due to their beauty, historical significance, and cultural value. These bronze artifacts are regarded as a precious heritage of ancient Chinese civilization, attracting attention for research and appreciation. Their artistic worth and cultural meaning are widely recognized and appreciated.
The Kinmon inscriptions found on ancient Chinese bronzes are inscriptions carved onto the surfaces of bronze vessels and other objects. They hold a significant position in the development and evolution of Chinese script. Kinmon inscriptions were predominantly used during the Spring and Autumn period and the Warring States period, spanning from the 14th century BCE to the 3rd century BCE.