Late Shang Dynasty: Ritualistic Wine Vessel

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The study of material objects such as weaponry, jewelry, clothing, or even cooking utensils created during a certain historical period can give researchers valuable insights into the culture of a certain society or a country. Moreover, in this way, one can better understand the ritualistic practices adopted in the community. So, this approach can be useful for examining the life of past generations.

The museum exhibit, which has been selected for the discussion, can be used as a primary source for the study of Chinese culture, which existed before the Common Era. In particular, one should speak about the Late Shang Dynasty, whose legacy continues to be studied by modern historians. Overall, this material object can be distinguished among others due to its unique tracery, age, and the fact that it is very well-preserved. Furthermore, this exhibit can throw some light on the ceremonial practices developed in China and the material culture of this society. These are the main questions that should be elaborated more closely in this essay.

This object is a ritualistic wine vessel, called zun. One should bear in mind that such vessels began to be manufactured during the Shang Dynasty (Z. Li 63). This zun was created during the period between the thirteenth and eleventh centuries before the Common Era. Its color is a mixture of green and grey; however, one should keep in mind that the original coloring of this vessel might have changed profoundly during more than three millennia (S. Li 53).

So, this object could have a different physical appearance in the past. This object was made of bronze; it should be noted that this alloy was widely used during the Shang Dynasty. In fact, the bronze ware, which was created during this period, continues to fascinate art critiques and historians who are impressed with the skill of Chinese artisans (Howard 35). This vessel could be produced in the Yellow River Valley because this is the region where Shang Dynasty ruled (Z. Li 63). Similar vessels are often found in this particular area (Z. Li 63). Nevertheless, this is only an assumption that cannot be fully confirmed now.

This vessel has a cylindrical shape, and it is a common form of zuns created during the Shang Dynasty. Yet, one should bear in mind that Chinese artisans created vessels that resembled animals and birds (Howard 36). So, one can find even more sophisticated examples of bronze ware (Howard 36). This exhibit is approximately 30 centimeters in height, and in comparison with other zuns, it is relatively high. So, these are some of the details that immediately attract the attention of the viewers.

Judging from the physical characteristics of this object, one can deduce that it is a vessel, which was needed primarily for the storage and transportation of some liquids. For example, one can speak about a different beverage that could be popular in China during that period. This is probably the first assumption that a person can make when he/she sees this vessel for the first time. Nevertheless, it is not immediately obvious this object was used for holding wine during religious ceremonies such as burials (Z. Li 63).

There is no visual evidence that can support this hypothesis. This is one of the aspects that should not be overlooked. This is why I wanted to know how historians determined the exact purpose of zuns. My intention was to understand what kind of sources I could study in order to reach this conclusion. This was a question that puzzled me. Certainly, one can assume that this zun could not be afforded by poor people. It should be borne in mind that this vessel is adorned with very complex ornaments, and it is a great example of artisanship.

So, it is rather unlikely that this vessel could be used by poor peasants on a daily basis. Nevertheless, such an object could be owned by a courtier or a wealthy merchant, and these people might not necessarily use it only during ceremonies. This was the main cause of ambiguity. According to historians, there are some textual records suggesting that similar zuns could be used in ceremonies (Howard 35).

These historical records suggest these vessels were necessary for providing a symbolic offering of wine to the deceased people (Howard 35). This example indicates that historians can rely on various sources in order to understand the material culture of people and their lifestyles. This approach is necessary for supporting the hypotheses that historians can make in the course of their research. This is one of the arguments that can be put forward.

To a great extent, this museum exhibit indicates that during the Late Shang Dynasty, Chinese people created a very sophisticated material culture. For instance, they were able to process metals and create alloys such as bronze. At that time, this technological achievement was not very widespread in other regions of the world. This is one of the main details that can be identified. Additionally, one can argue that Chinese culture incorporated abstract art, which could give rise to various interpretations. This idea can be demonstrated with the help of complex ornaments envisioned by Chinese artisans.

Moreover, this vessel contains some symbols that resemble hieroglyphs. Therefore, one can assume that this society developed a written language, and this was a remarkable cultural achievement by the standards of that period. Thirdly, if a person learns more about the history and usage of zuns, he/she can argue that the representatives of this culture accepted the idea of an afterlife. In particular, they assumed that people could interact with their deceased relatives and express their respect for them (Howard 35). These are some of the main details that be singled out. Certainly, such generalizations should be supported by other evidence such as textual documents, engravings, or pictures; otherwise, they may seem too far-fetched and even flawed. Still, such an exhibit can be used as a starting point for a historical discussion.

Overall, this discussion shows that museum exhibits can be very informative for people who study the culture and history of a particular country. The vessel, which has been discussed, indicates that the Late Shang Dynasty achieved considerable material prosperity before the Common Era. This zun can be described as a primary source, which can help historians understand the lives of people who lived in China during the period between the thirteenth and eleventh centuries before the Common Era. In particular, they adopted complex ritualistic and ceremonial practices. Moreover, their technological progress was also very considerable, especially in comparison with other societies that existed during that time. These are the main aspects that can be singled out.

Works Cited

Howard, Angela. Chinese Sculpture, New Haven: Yale University Press, 2006. Print.

Li, Song. Chinese Bronze Ware, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2011. Print.

Li, Zhengping. Chinese Wine, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2011. Print.

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Late Shang Dynasty: Ritualistic Wine Vessel – Zun

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