Anyang Period Collection

Fitting (Shi) in the Form of a Feline Head, between c.1100 and c.950 B.C.. Creator: Unknown
Fitting (Shi) in the Form of a Feline Head, between c.1100 and c.950 B.C

Pendant in the form of a coiled dragon, Late Shang dynasty, ca. 1300-ca. 1050 BCE

Pendant in the form of a reptile, Late Shang dynasty, ca. 1300-ca. 1050 BCE

Axe (yue ?), made from a collared disk, Late Shang dynasty, ca. 1300-ca. 1050 BCE

Miniature hafted dagger-axe (ge ?), Late Shang dynasty, ca. 1300-ca. 1050 BCE

Axe (yue ?), probably reworked from a collared disk, Late Shang dynasty, ca. 1300-ca. 1050 BCE

Dagger-axe (ge ?), fragment, Late Shang dynasty, ca. 1300-ca. 1050 BCE. Creator: Unknown
Dagger-axe (ge ?), fragment, Late Shang dynasty, ca. 1300-ca. 1050 BCE

Pendant in the form of a bird, Late Shang dynasty, ca. 1300-ca. 1050 BCE

Pendant in the form of a dragon, Late Shang dynasty, ca. 1300-ca. 1050 BCE

Lidded ritual wine container (hu) with masks and dragons, Late Shang dynasty, ca. 13th century BCE

Pair of slide fittings in the form of monkeys, Late Shang dynasty or early Western Zhou dynasty, ca. 1100-900 BCE

Ritual wine warmer (jia) with taotie and birds, Late Shang dynasty, ca. 1400-1250 BCE

Pendant in the form of a fish, Late Shang dynasty, ca. 1300-ca. 1050 BCE

Pendant in the form of a fish with an ear cleaner, Late Shang dynasty, ca. 1300-ca. 1050 BCE

Pendant in the form of a buffalo head, Late Shang dynasty, ca. 1300-ca. 1050 BCE

Pendant in the form of a tiger, Late Shang dynasty, ca. 1300-ca. 1050 BCE

Chariot rein guide with elephants and rattles, Late Shang dynasty, ca. 1300-1050 BCE

Ritual grain server (gui), Late Shang dynasty, ca. 1200-1050 BCE. Creator: Unknown
Ritual grain server (gui), Late Shang dynasty, ca. 1200-1050 BCE

Knife blade, Late Shang dynasty, ca. 1300-1200 BCE. Creator: Unknown
Knife blade, Late Shang dynasty, ca. 1300-1200 BCE

Yoke rattle, Late Shang dynasty, ca. 1300-950 BCE. Creator: Unknown
Yoke rattle, Late Shang dynasty, ca. 1300-950 BCE

Dagger-axe (ge), Late Shang dynasty, ca. 12th-11th century BCE. Creator: Unknown
Dagger-axe (ge), Late Shang dynasty, ca. 12th-11th century BCE

Ritual wine cup (gu) with taotie and dragons, Late Shang dynasty, ca. 12th-11th century BCE

Lidded ritual wine container (you) with taotie and dragons, Late Shang dynasty, ca. 1200-1100 BCE

Ritual wine container (zun) with taotie and dragons, Late Shang dynasty, ca. 1100-1050 BCE

Ritual wine container (pou), Late Shang dynasty, ca. 1200-1100 BCE. Creator: Unknown
Ritual wine container (pou), Late Shang dynasty, ca. 1200-1100 BCE

Lidded ritual vessel (hu) with birds and snake, Late Shang dynasty, ca. 1300-1200 BCE

Ritual wine cup (gu), Late Shang dynasty, ca. 1200-1100 BCE. Creator: Unknown
Ritual wine cup (gu), Late Shang dynasty, ca. 1200-1100 BCE

Ritual wine container (hu) with masks and dragons, Late Shang dynasty, ca. 12th century BCE

Square lidded ritual wine container with lid (fangyi), Late Shang dynasty, ca. 1200-1050 BCE

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The Anyang period, which spanned from approximately 1300 to 1050 BCE during the Late Shang dynasty, was a time of great artistic and cultural achievement. This can be seen in the exquisite artifacts that have been discovered from this era. One such artifact is a pendant in the form of a coiled dragon. Crafted with meticulous detail, this piece showcases the skilled craftsmanship of the time. Similarly, another pendant in the shape of a reptile demonstrates the intricate workmanship that was valued during this period. Weapons were also an important aspect of life during the Anyang period. An axe made from a collared disk exemplifies both functionality and beauty. It serves as evidence of advanced metalworking techniques employed by ancient artisans. Additionally, a miniature hafted dagger-axe reveals their expertise in creating weapons on a smaller scale. Interestingly, some axes were repurposed from collared disks, indicating resourcefulness and adaptability among craftsmen at that time. A fragmentary dagger-axe further attests to their ingenuity and ability to create functional tools even with limited resources. Pendants continued to be popular adornments during this era as well. A bird-shaped pendant symbolizes freedom and grace while another one shaped like a dragon represents power and strength - both significant themes within Shang culture. Ritual objects also played an essential role in religious practices during this period. A lidded ritual wine container adorned with masks and dragons reflects both reverence for ancestral spirits and appreciation for aesthetic beauty. Slide fittings in monkey form highlight not only creativity but also humor present within Shang society; these playful pieces likely served decorative purposes on clothing or accessories. A ritual wine warmer featuring taotie motifs alongside birds showcases intricate bronze casting techniques prevalent at that time while emphasizing spiritual connections between humans and nature through wine ceremonies. Lastly, yet importantly, there is a pendant crafted into the shape of fish - symbolizing abundance and prosperity.