Bronze
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Glasgow Museums has a large collection of approximately 170 Chinese bronzes, many of exceptional quality. They were a significant area of collecting for Sir William Burrell (1861-1958). The majority of Burrell’s bronzes date from the Shang and Zhou (c.1046–771 BC) dynasties when bronze casting reached its height. The bronzes made during these periods were cast from ceramic piece moulds which required a high level of technical skill in their manufacture to yield complex vessel designs and intricate surface decoration. This includes most of the recognised types, such as Jue (爵; open-spouted, pillared drinking vessels), Jia (斝; vessels for drinking wine, resembles the Jue but without a spout), Zun (尊; wine vessels), You (卣; containers for wine), Gu (觚; beakers), Ding (鼎; cauldrons), Zhi (觯; goblets), Yan (甗; steamers), Fu (簠; rectangular shaped containers for food), and Gui (簋; bowl-shaped food vessels). There are also several Zhou Bells and a substantial group of weapons. Small bronzes such as chariot fittings, knives, finials and belt hooks are all included.
- Broader term