Archaeological Analysis of Bronze Decorative Arts in the Yin Shang Period and Their Cultural Symbolism

Abstract

The Yin Shang culture, as an early representative of the Central Plains, has had a profound impact on the origin and development of Chinese civilization. Its distinctive artistic forms, including oracle bone inscriptions, bronzes, and ornaments, are unique in the annals of world art. As a symbol of early imperial theocracy, the mysterious nature of witchcraft advocated by Yin Shang culture and the aesthetic of hideousness in its ornaments played a crucial role in shaping the symbolic and metaphorical beauty of traditional Chinese patterns. This paper focuses on representative Yin Shang bronzes such as the "Du Ling Fang Ding," "Si Zi Ding," and "Fu Hao Owl," employing archaeological methodologies to analyze the visual effects of their patterns, colors, and spatial senses. By exploring the cultural symbolism of Yin Shang decorative arts, the study aims to provide insights into the research, extraction, and transformation of traditional cultural symbols. Furthermore, in conjunction with archaeological discoveries, the paper examines potential connections between Yin Shang culture and ancient civilizations in the Mediterranean region, revealing its unique position in global cultural interactions.