Whereas before, war was characterized as a civilized contest between aristocratic armies, during the Warring States Period (475-221 B.C.), war evolved into the chaotic  More »

Whereas before, war was characterized as a civilized contest between aristocratic armies, during the Warring States Period (475-221 B.C.), war evolved into the chaotic conflict we know it as today. Kings and princes were replaced on the battlefield by infantries lead by military generals. Peasants were recruited to serve on the front lines. Warfare intensified, especially in terms of the duration of campaigns. New arms and armor were invented, including the halberd and crossbow. Chariots rode alongside archers outfitted in iron helmets and body armor. Defensive walls were erected in order to repel invaders. However, despite the turmoil of the times, the arts continued to thrive.Bronze casting was revolutionized by the introduction of the lost-wax technique, while the alterations of kiln structures enabled new firing techniques that resulted in fully developed glazes. Although this period was marked by almost constant upheaval, the Warring States also represents a golden age of Chinese culture and thought. This magnificent bronze spearhead is a perfect symbol of both the battles and the beauty of the age. Although the wooden shaft has long since disappeared, ravaged by the forces of time, we can still imagine this weapon being wielded in the hands of ancient Chinese warrior. The blade of the spear head features an openwork motif that is both decorative as well as functional, since it decreases the weight of the bronze, making the spear cheaper to produce and lighter to throw. - (X.0226)   « Less

Origin: China Circa: 5 th Century BCE to 4 th Century BCE Dimensions: 5.75" (14.6cm) high Collection: Chinese Art Style: Warring States Medium: Jade/ Nefrite

Origin: China Circa: 5 th Century BCE to 4 th Century BCE Dimensions: 5.75" (14.6cm) high Collection: Chinese Art Style: Warring States Medium: Jade/ Nefrite   « Less

Origin: China Circa: 5 th Century BCE to 1 st Century BCE Dimensions: 5.5" (14.0cm) high Collection: Chinese Art Style: Warring States/Western Han Dynasty Medium: Jade

Origin: China Circa: 5 th Century BCE to 1 st Century BCE Dimensions: 5.5" (14.0cm) high Collection: Chinese Art Style: Warring States/Western Han Dynasty Medium: Jade   « Less

Origin: China Circa: 475 BC to 221 BC Dimensions: 9.25" (23.5cm) high Collection: Chinese Art Style: Warring States Medium: Glazed Terracotta

Origin: China Circa: 475 BC to 221 BC Dimensions: 9.25" (23.5cm) high Collection: Chinese Art Style: Warring States Medium: Glazed Terracotta   « Less

Origin: China Circa: 4 th Century BC to 1 st Century BC Collection: Chinese Art Style: Warring States/Han Dynasty Medium: Gilt Bronze

Origin: China Circa: 4 th Century BC to 1 st Century BC Collection: Chinese Art Style: Warring States/Han Dynasty Medium: Gilt Bronze   « Less

Whereas before, war was characterized as a civilized contest between aristocratic armies, during the Warring States Period (475-221 B.C.), war evolved into the chaotic  More »

Whereas before, war was characterized as a civilized contest between aristocratic armies, during the Warring States Period (475-221 B.C.), war evolved into the chaotic conflict we know it as today. Kings and princes were replaced on the battlefield by infantries lead by military generals. Peasants were recruited to serve on the front lines. Warfare intensified, especially in terms of the duration of campaigns. New arms and armor were invented, including the halberd and crossbow. However, despite the turmoil of the times, the arts continued to thrive. Bronze casting was revolutionized by the introduction of the lost-wax technique, while the alterations of kiln structures enabled new firing techniques that resulted in fully developed glazes.This bronze hu would have functioned as a ritual container for the storage and transport of sumptuous wines. The surface of the body has been divided into horizontal bands that are decorated with designs of zigzagging lines rendered in low relief. The neck features a row of triangular indentations below the lip. Two decorative Tao Tieh mask handles have been attached to the lower shoulder of the hu. These stylized animals represent a type of dragon found in Chinese mythology. Their abstracted representation reveals the influence of previous styles such as the Zhou Dynasty. Such a work, forged from bronze, would have been the treasured possession of an elite member of the social hierarchy. Although this vessel would have functioned as a wine container in life, it was found discovered buried in a tomb. A symbol for the bountiful pleasures of life, for drinking and feasting, this hu would have represented the joys to be experienced in the afterlife and the feasts and celebrations yet to come. Today, this vessel is not only a gorgeous work of art, treasured for its history and rarity; but also a stunning reminder of the richness and luxury of ancient China, both in this world and the next. - (H.1099)   « Less

This stunning horse, wrought in bronze and plated in gold, is a thrilling example of Warring- States era craftsmanship at its finest. The Mongolian horse, native to China,  More »

This stunning horse, wrought in bronze and plated in gold, is a thrilling example of Warring- States era craftsmanship at its finest. The Mongolian horse, native to China, stands in proud repose- its sturdy legs firmed into the ground, its neck arching into its diamond shaped face. His hind legs, bulging with muscle, are set far apart, giving him a truly regal bearing. To the Chinese, the horse was everything. A symbol of prosperity, a beast of burden, a steed of war, and a prized show-animal all in one race. The glorious musculature and expression of this piece are a testament to Chinese worksmanship and creativity. Truly the beast immortalized in this piece was worthy of the cautious hands of its artist. Looking at it, we almost expect to hear a metallic clink of hooves, and a rattling whicker coming from its delicate form. It continues to charm us with its presence today, a vibrant example of how the appreciation of the ancients, and that of our own, can sometimes be so very similar. - (MR.010)   « Less

This snarling creature – with dog, dragon and felid characteristics – dates to a fascinating stage in Chinese history known as the Warring States period. The  More »

This snarling creature – with dog, dragon and felid characteristics – dates to a fascinating stage in Chinese history known as the Warring States period. The preceding Zhou Dynasty ran alongside for some time, although it was in its death throes by this point. The Warring States were characterised by local warlords’ tendency to invade and hold neighbouring states, leading to the development of seven enormous polities. As they were not halted, they rose above their station as “dukes” and began to call themselves kings (between 325 and 299 BC), thus technically equal to the Zhou king himself. This moment saw the end of the Zhou dynasty. All the main states were riddled by internal intrigue and power struggles as coalition after coalition failed to stabilise the growing state of anarchy.It was the comparatively minor state of Qin, which had been internally reformed in 359 BC, that started to emerge as a clear leader. By the time the other states had stopped squabbling, the Qin had become so powerful that even their united strength could not overcome it. A string of battles ensued throughout the third century BC, and although the Qin's status as most powerful state was assured by 260 BC, it took them until 221 BC to bring about the unification of China under a single yoke. Although they were vulnerable at many points, they were able to consolidate their win thanks to the fact that, even in this situation, the remaining minor states – now reduced to ciphers – were still skirmishing with each other.The martial atmosphere of the period saw a massive acceleration in army technology, especially characterised by the increased use of iron, replacing bronze as the main material of choice. Chariots persisted for some time, but were largely overshadowed by the development of fast-moving cavalry units that were of greater use in the skirmishing tactics that characterised the period. For the same reason, crossbows and dagger-axes were very popular, as were trousers, which made their first appearance in China in about 307 BC. Philosophy of the Dao tradition became widespread, and, perhaps unsurprisingly in light of the spirit of the times, the philosophy of warfare became a highly developed tradition; Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War” is still viewed as the ultimate in the genre. There was less emphasis on artistic developments in this restless and uncertain time, but instead a stylistic reiteration of traditional forms, especially those linked with the iconography of war and other martial matters. As many of the battalions and armies used icons to represent themselves, items such as this would have been much in demand.The animal is portrayed stretching its long, sinewy figure, curling up its head and tail and arching its back sensuously. It is perhaps most doglike, but is evocative of various animals that would have had significance for the person who commissioned the sculpture from a professional artist. The quality of the workmanship is superb. The limbs are rendered as muscular masses that are flawlessly integrated into the trunk of the creature. While not unanatomical, the flow and ebb of the figure’s lines lend a sinuous and expressionistic quality that heightens the languid power of the animal and the delicacy of the portrayal. The curl at the back of the head counterbalances the spiral of the arched tail, and the entirety of the portrayal is completed by the irregular patina with the high quality bronze beneath.The function of this piece is uncertain, but it may have been mounted as a talisman, or carried, in order that its perceived qualities could assist the owner with whatever mission he was embarked upon. This is a remarkable piece from a turbulent and uncertain time in world history. - (AM.143 (LSO))   « Less

Origin: China Circa: 475 BC to 221 BC Dimensions: 14" (35.6cm) high x 7.75" (19.7cm) wide Collection: Chinese Art Style: Warring States Medium: Bronze

Origin: China Circa: 475 BC to 221 BC Dimensions: 14" (35.6cm) high x 7.75" (19.7cm) wide Collection: Chinese Art Style: Warring States Medium: Bronze   « Less

Origin: China circa: 500 BC to 400 BC Dimensions: 1.15" (2.9cm) high x 3.75" (9.5cm) wide Collection: Chinese Art Style: Warring States Medium: Silver Gilt

Origin: China circa: 500 BC to 400 BC Dimensions: 1.15" (2.9cm) high x 3.75" (9.5cm) wide Collection: Chinese Art Style: Warring States Medium: Silver Gilt   « Less