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In 1122 B.C., at the battle of Muyeh, the
rebellious Zhou tribe defeated the imperial
troops of the Shang Dynasty, China’s first
Imperial Dynasty. The Zhou Dynasty is
itself composed of two periods that
historians have dubbed Western (1122-771
B.C.) and Eastern (770-221 B.C.). During
the Western period, the Zhou ruled from
their capital Zongzhou (near modern
X’ian). While the Zhou were highly
influence by the Shang, over time, they
developed their own unique style of
decorating bronze and terracotta vessels.
Perhaps their most important artistic
innovation was the creation of primitive
glazes. However, ambitious campaigns to
expand their territory westward failed, and
in 771, nomadic invaders ransacked
Zongzhou, forcing the Zhou to flee
eastwards to the city of Chengzhou, which
became their second capital.
Thus began the second period, the Eastern
Zhou Dynasty, also known as the Spring
and Autumn Period, a name taken from one
of the oldest histories of China which was
recorded by season. Along the road to
Chengzhou, the Zhou relied upon the aid
of the powerful Qin and Jin states to
secure their escape. Yet, once the Eastern
Zhou was established, infighting and
succession struggles plagued the house
and the Zhou were never able to recapture
their ancient dominance, merely ruling in
name alone. Instead, a coalition of
powerful states, including the Qi and Chu
in addition to the Qin and Jin, ruled ancient
China. However, by the 5th Century B.C.,
internal quarrels began to shake the
foundations of these independent states
and the peace that characterized most of
their coexistence began to rapidly
disintegrate, culminating in the brutal
defeat of the Qi, an event that ushered in
the appropriately named Warring States
Period.
A ding is essentially a tripod vessel with
two raised handles. Originally, the ding
was utilized for cooking meats, hung over a
fire by its handles. Later, the function of
the ding would evolve from the preparation
of foods to the presentation and serving of
foods at certain rites and festivals. Dings
with inscription were primarily used for
offering sacrifices to the gods. Their sheer
size and stately proportions convey an
impression of confidence and majesty,
symbolizing both wealth and statehood.
Three circular rings project from the top of
the lid of this stunning ding. A remarkably
intricate abstract pattern of undulating
forms covers almost the entire lid as well
as a decorative band on the body of the
vessel. The ding elegantly stands on three
tapering legs that almost appear to be
those of a hooven animal. The two handles
gently curve outward, making transporting
easier. This ding is an appropriate symbol
for the Zhou Dynasty. The vessel itself
testifies to the tremendous wealth and
artistic appreciation of the ruling elite,
while the food offerings contained within
speak of the bounty and prosperity of the
kingdom as a whole.
- (FZ.397)
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