Word: shang
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Dates: during 1980-1989
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Among the 105 objects on display is a graceful three-legged wine cup from the Shang dynasty. Dating from about 1750 B.C., it is the earliest decorated bronze yet found, but its elegant shape and fine detail suggest that a sophisticated craftsmanship must have already existed for several centuries. During the Shang period, which lasted until 1030 B.C., bronze was so precious that it was strictly the prerogative of royalty, and even then used largely for sacramental rites honoring gods and ancestors. In fact, the vessels known as dings, which are characteristic of the time, were symbols of the divine...