In the history of each nation, there is an invaluable "Bronze Age". Bronze is a great invention of human history. It is an alloy of copper, tin and lead, and the earliest alloy in the metallurgic history as well. Bronze prevailed once invented and human civilization entered a new stage - the Bronze Age. The time-honored bronze was born almost at the same time with the significant landmarks such as letter, kingship, social hierarchy, and state.

Bronze wares represent the peak of the early human civilization, and they are also the dawn of Chinese art. The origin of Chinese civilization is reflected by the splendid, solemn and divine bronze wares with unique modeling and complicated patterns.

The Bronze Age of China lasts about 1600 years from the Xia Dynasty to the early Warring States Period. For the dynasties in ancient China, the largest events were nothing but sacrifices and external wars. Most of the bronze, which represented the leading edge of the metallurgy and foundry skills, was used on occasions like ritual sacrifices and wars. Unlike the rest of the world, the bronze wares from Xia, Shang and Zhou Dynasties were found to be ritual vessels (including food vessels, wine vessels and musical instruments) and weapons, forming a bronze system of traditional Chinese characteristics. Besides, the bronze was also used to make coins, weights and measurements, and mirrors.