“The best I have been able to explain Shang Bronzes to myself and to others is that they wed rocket science and religion.”

The Shang dynasty of north-central China (c. 1500–1000) was a flourishing Bronze Age civilization that maintained control over much of north China for nearly 600 years. They also produced spectacular bronze ritual vessels that are one of the greatest cultural and technological achievements of any ancient civilization. This book is a timely introduction to the high art of ancient Chinese bronzes, seen through the eyes of a superb private collection. Lavishly produced and dramatically illustrated, it is enticing to the novice, and informative to the expert.

The book begins with personal notes and views of the collector, followed by illustrated essays written by three leading American scholars: Robert D. Jacobsen, Chair of the Department of Asian Art Emeritus, Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Robert D. Mowry, Curator of Chinese Art Emeritus Harvard Art Museums and Thomas Lawton, Director Emeritus, Freer Gallery of Art.