The Shan-Fu Liang Ch'i Kuei and Associated Inscribed Vessels

Inscribed bronze ritual vessels and other bronze artifacts have been unearthed in China over a period of nearly nine centuries. They have been important to the study of pre-Han history and culture, as well as the general history of technology in China. This survey covers a group of 28 inscribed bronze ritual vessels and bells making up the Liang Ch'i series, and focuses on technical and palaeographic issues. Each object is analyzed both for historical value as a form of written document and as an artifact whose detailed study may provide a better understanding of the technological achievements of the period. A noteworthy transcription procedure and systematic tabulation of repeated passages have resulted in clarification of characters and phrases that have long been of uncertain significance, and rectify misinterpretations that have appeared in the past. In addition, valuable data derived from radiography and laboratory examination has led towards a better understanding of the various casting features.