Shang Dynasty China

c. 1600–1046 BCE

Ancient Chinese bronze ritual vessel with intricate carvings, displayed on a pedestal in a museum setting.

Shang Dynasty China is characterized by the development of a writing system, bronze metallurgy, ancestor worship and divination, and more!

Writing

oracle bone
Oracle bones

Important terms and concepts

Shang dynasty

Anyang

Ancestor worship

Oracle bone

Plastron

Divination

Important Names

King Wu Ding

Queen Fu Hao

Technology: Bronze Metallurgy

rhino bronze china shang

Bronze casting and piece-mold process
A Shang dynasty bronze vessel decorated with a taotie
The taotie motif on bronze vessels
Close-up of an ancient Chinese bronze bell with intricate designs, featuring protruding knobs used for striking, displayed in a museum setting.
What is bronze?

Important terms and concepts

Bronze

Bronze casting

Metallurgy

Taotie

Section-Mold Technique / Piece-Mold Technique

Ancient Chinese bronze and terracotta vessels, including a three-legged censer and a molded vessel with handles, displayed against a plain background.
The piece-mold technique

Related Resources

Explore Continents

Supercharge your learning!

Find more on the Store!