Hunting and Rituals: Treasures from the Ancient Dian Kingdom of Yunnan

Hong Kong: Leisure & Cultural Services Dept., Hong Kong & Zhejiang Provincial Museum, 2004. Catalogue of a magnificent collection of bronze age art from the ancient Dian culture, which thrived in what is now China's Yunnan Province, some some 2,500 years ago. Recent activities by Chinese archaeologists in this region have uncovered a wealth of artefacts, many of which have never previously been published. Objects, very distinct from the bronze age art of ancient central China, exhibit what appears to be a meeting of southeast Asia's so-called Donson Culture, the epicenter of the great bronze kettledrums of antiquity, with the lively and realistic animal art of the northern steppes. Scenes depicted in three dimensional bronze and gold sculpture range from images of daily home life -- weaving, sewing and entertainment -- to violent depictions of the hunt, and brutal warfare. Includes also objects of wood, lacquer, musical instruments and ornaments of jade and other precious stones -- thus providing the viewer with an comprehensive vision of life during those times. Essays and detailed descriptions of each object in bilingual Chinese and English. 207 pp., over 180 colour plates, 38 line drawings, map. A new/unread copy.. First Edition. Soft Cover. New. 30 x 23 cm..