Through September 28
The Met
Chinese bronzes produced from the 12th through the 19th centuries represent a fascinating and often underappreciated chapter in the history of Chinese art. Originally, in ancient China, bronze vessels served as potent symbols of ritual significance and imperial authority. Centuries later, between 1100 and 1900, these bronzes were rediscovered and revered as embodiments of an idealized classical era, inspiring a resurgence known as the “return to the past” (fugu). This movement involved embracing and emulating classical virtues across many artistic disciplines.
The exhibition explores how this renaissance extended to bronze casting, which was revived not merely as a replication of archaic works but as an innovative art form in its own right. While early bronzes were primarily utilitarian for holding food and wine, later pieces adapted ancient shapes and motifs to create new functional objects such as incense burners, vases, and various scholar’s pieces. Unfortunately, these later bronzes have sometimes been dismissed as mere imitations rather than recognized for their unique aesthetic and functional contributions.
This comprehensive exhibition draws from a rich array of international loans, complementing approximately 100 works from The Met’s collection with additional masterpieces lent by prominent institutions across China, Japan, Korea, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Through nearly 200 objects, it offers an unprecedented narrative that highlights the enduring significance of bronze as a medium of artistic expression throughout China’s long and storied history.
The exhibit also situates these bronzes alongside other media including painting, calligraphy, ceramics, lacquers, and jades, thereby providing a holistic understanding of the complex cultural and artistic dialogues that shaped their production and appreciation. By reevaluating the so-called later bronzes on their own terms, the exhibition challenges previous misconceptions and celebrates their innovation and artistry.
Organized collaboratively by The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Shanghai Museum, the exhibition is supported by distinguished funds including the Florence and Herbert Irving Fund for Asian Art Exhibitions and the Joseph Hotung Fund, with transportation generously provided by China Eastern Airlines. Additional support comes from American Friends of the Shanghai Museum, Burrows Foundation, and The Dillon Fund.
For visitors interested in delving deeper into this subject, a detailed exhibition catalog is available for purchase through The Met’s store, offering the first comprehensive study of these Chinese bronzes, illuminating their role in asserting political legitimacy and cultural continuity throughout the centuries.
Discover this rich cultural treasure and expand your understanding of Chinese artistic heritage by visiting the official exhibition page.
