Chinese Bronzes

by Mario Bussagli

Paul Hamlyn Cameo Art Series

Hamlyn Publishing Group, 1969, colour photographic plates throughout, hardcover, dust-jacket

Very Good Condition, minor edge and shelf wear, previous owners stamp inside front cover, dust-jacket minor edge and shelf wear, minor rubbing to edges and corners (see photographs)

"The origins of bronze-working in China are mysterious and deeply rooted in ancient Chinese myths.  metallurgy in all its forms seemed miraculous to the ordinary man, and every object, sword or vessel was thought to possess a spirit of its own.
Mario Bussagli describes the background to the production of Chinese bronzes in fascinating detail, and explains the significance of the different types of ritual vessel and the symbolism of the stylised decoration.  The fine illustrations include objects from the Shang, Chou, Han and T'ang periods, and each is described fully in the accompanying notes."