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Shang dynasty

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Shang dynasty

 or Yin dynasty

Traditionally, the second of China's dynasties, following the Xia dynasty. Until excavations in the 20th century provided archaeological evidence for the Xia, the Shang was the first verifiable Chinese dynasty. Dates for its founding vary; traditionally its rule was said to have spanned 1766–1122 BC, but more recently the range has been given as c. 1600–1046 BC. Shang society was stratified: it included a king, local governors, nobles, and the masses, who engaged in agriculture. The Shang developed a 12-month, 360-day calendar with intercalary months added as necessary. The Chinese writing system began to develop; numerous records and ceremonial inscriptions survive. Surviving artifacts include musical instruments, superb bronze vessels, pottery for ceremonial and daily use, and jade and ivory ornaments. Cowrie shells were used as currency. See also Erlitou culture; Zhou dynasty.


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Among the oldest surviving bronze castings are those found in China dating back to the Shang dynasty (1766-1122 BC).
Ever since the Shang dynasty," the brochure comments, "the Chinese had considered the afterlife unthinkable without music.
Three massive ritual wine containers from the Anyang period (about 1300-1050 BC) of the Shang dynasty, a bronze bell of late Western Zhou pedigree (about 1050-771 BC), archaic weapons dating from between the fifth and third centuries BC, and a western Han crossbow trigger with gold and silver inlay are among the other gifts.
 
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