With the passage of time, the dust of history has gradually settled, but there are some cultural relics that allow us to go back to the distant past and get a glimpse of the historical style of that time. The Western Zhou Dynasty Da Yu Ding, a 3,000-year-old bronze heavy weapon, is one of the best. Recently, we were fortunate to interview experts and scholars who studied the Western Zhou Dynasty to take you to understand the charm of this important weapon of the country.
The weight of the country is immeasurable
As one of the "Three Treasures of the Sea", its value is not only reflected in the material, but also in the historical information and cultural value it contains. As a kind of metal cookware in the Western Zhou Dynasty, Da Yu Ding carries a wealth of historical information and cultural connotations. Due to its large size and high value of inscriptions, it is known as a treasure among bronzes.
The craftsmanship is exquisite, and the shape is chic].
The shape of Da Yu Ding is unique and the craftsmanship is exquisite. Its cloud and thunder pattern, ribbon gluttonous pattern, embossed gluttonous pattern and string pattern and other patterns make the shape of the big bowl exquisite without losing the solemnity and calmness. Standing ears, hanging abdomen, thick walls, and thick three-legged legs are the standard "three-legged tripods". Every detail is a testament to the craftsmanship and love of art.
The inscription is unique and of extraordinary value].
The uniqueness of the Da Yu Ding is that its inner wall is cast with an inscription of 291 characters. This inscription records the historical fact that King Kang of Zhou ordered the nobleman Yu in September of the 23rd year, as well as King Kang of Zhou telling Yu about the founding experience of King Wen and King Wu, and instructed Yu to follow his ancestors and wholeheartedly assist the royal family. This inscription not only has an important value for us to understand the history of the Western Zhou Dynasty, but also reveals to us the profound reflection of the Zhou people on alcoholism and misleading the country.
Ill-fated, lost overseas].
However, such a precious artifact has endured hardships. It was unearthed in the late Qing Dynasty and then moved to Japan and the United States. It was not until 1952 that the Da Yu Ding was able to return to its homeland and was collected in the Shanghai Museum. In 1959, it was transferred to the Chinese History Museum (now the National Museum of China) and became a national treasure. Every circulation touches the hearts of countless people, making people sigh at the ups and downs of their fate.
Synonyms Da Yu Ding: 廿三祀盂鼎].
It is worth noting that the Da Yu Ding is also commonly referred to as the Twenty-Three Ritual Yu Ding. This is because it was unearthed in Licun, Yixian County, Shaanxi Province (now a group of Yangjia Village, Changxing Town, Meixian County, Baoji City, that is, Lijia Village), and the unearthed time was 1849. This point in time is now 174 years ago. Despite the passage of time, Da Yu Ding still maintains its original style and unique charm.
Cultural inheritance, responsibility].
Today, Da Yu Ding has become one of the first batch of cultural relics in China that is prohibited from going abroad (territory) for exhibition. This is an affirmation of its historical value and cultural value, and it is also a responsibility to future generations. As witnesses of history, we have the responsibility to protect these precious cultural relics and inherit the excellent history and culture of the Chinese nation.
As a valuable bronze heavy weapon, the Western Zhou Dynasty Dayu Ding provides us with valuable historical materials and cultural treasures with its unique shape, exquisite craftsmanship and precious inscriptions. It is one of the symbols of the long history and splendid culture of the Chinese nation. We hope that through our efforts, more people can understand and appreciate the charm of this important weapon of the country.
*: CCTV News.
Da Yu Ding