Did you know the ancient Chinese developed their own distinctive technology to cast bronze vessels during the Bronze Age?

In this video, we explore the piece mold technique, a unique method used to cast bronze objects, including ritual vessels, weapons, and bells, using clay section molds. We break the technique down step-by-step using a round tripod vessel (called a dǐng 鼎) as an example. This short video is part of a series that breaks down key terms in art history, archaeology, and history!

This video is perfect for anyone looking to learn more about:

• Ancient China

• Ancient technologies

• Bronze Age

• Global Ancient Art

• Metallurgy

• Art History

• Shang Dynasty China

Speaker: Dr. Cortney Chaffin Kim

CHAPTERS

0:00 Introduction to the piece-mold technique

0:38 Step-by-step method to casting a ritual bronze vessel

0:51 Making a clay model

1:07 Carving decoration

1:20 Making a mold for casting

1:42 Making the sections of the piece-mold

2:02 Assembling the piece-mold

2:21 Pouring the molten bronze into the mold

2:36 Breaking the mold

Learn more

Discover more about Shang dynasty China: https://www.artsq.org/shang-dynasty-china

Find out more about ancient China: https://www.artsq.org/ancient-china

Check out our entire glossary of art history: https://www.artsq.org/about-key-terms-ideas-art-history