The patterns on the bronze wares are an important factor contributing to the spirit of the bronze wares. The form of a bronze ware appeals to human senses by describing the shape of it, but the patterns bring the concrete images that combine the fable and the reality into a full play.

The typical patterns on Chinese bronze wares are animal patterns. In particular, patterns of Taotie (a mythical ferocious animal), dragon and phoenix are the most distinctive, since they are imaginary holy beasts, which reflect the spiritual and religious beliefs of the ancient Chinese. These patterns often bring about solemn and mysterious feelings immediately, which is in accordance with the fact that bronze wares were often used on occasions such as the rituals of offering sacrifice and other ceremonies. The ancient Chinese believed that these patterns and images could communicate with the gods and spirits as well as suppress the evils; therefore they worshipped these patterns inside temples and ancestral halls so that the gods and holy spirits would bring them good luck, bless them, or protect them from evils.

Furthermore, there are also patterns of plants, cloud and thunder, fire, water, geometric, human face, and human-beast on the bronze wares. Later on, patterns about daily life are also in use.