Asian Gallery (Toyokan) Room 4
September 5, 2006 (Tue) - December 3, 2006 (Sun)
The first use of the copper alloy bronze in China occurred nearly 3,800 years ago. It marked the emergence of tools made specifically for fighting. Over the course of 1,600 years, the function, shape, and type of weapons that were developed changed in response to society and warfareuntil iron was developed. During the first millennium BC, the use and development of bronze weapons also occurred in neighboring regions in Northeast and Southeast Asia.
Their role as the sharpest and strongest of all instruments at the time resulted in increased authority to persons who possessed them, much more in China's neighboring regions, where metals were considered to be more precious. This resulted in weapons with unique shapes and styles being crafted there. Some of these, however, lack sharp edges, which leads some experts to think that they were used for rituals and ceremonies rather than practical weapons.
This exhibit introduces how the shapes of their tools of war suggest various messages from the ancient people of East Asia.
Major works in this exhibition
