Bronze casting technology and foundries in Shang China (c. 1600–1046 BCE)

1. Monumental Houmuwu (Simuwu) ding cast at Anyang

   Jan 1, 1200 BCELabels: Houmuwu ding, Anyang, Piece-mold casting

   • Houmuwu
   • Britannica

2. Shang dynasty ends after Zhou victory at Muye

   Jan 1, 1046 BCELabels: Shang dynasty, Zhou, Battle of

   • Britannica
   • Shang

3. Yinxu IV phase culminates in final Shang kings

   Jan 1, 1101Labels: Yinxu IV, Late Shang, Bronze styles

   • Yinxu
   • Britannica

4. Yinxu II–III phases reflect mature foundry output

   Jan 1, 1250Labels: Yinxu II, Foundry output, Piece-mold technique

   • Yinxu
   • Britannica

5. Shang court shifts to Anyang (Yinxu) as capital

   Jan 1, 1300Labels: Anyang Yinxu, Shang court, Royal patronage

   • Britannica
   • Yinxu

6. Yinxu occupational phases begin (late Shang sequence)

   Jan 1, 1300Labels: Yinxu occupational, Workshop activity, Inscription practice

   • Yinxu

7. Yinxu I phase associated with early Anyang capital activity

   Jan 1, 1300Labels: Yinxu I, Early Anyang, Elite demand

   • Yinxu

8. Huanbei walled city constructed near Anyang

   Jan 1, 1350Labels: Huanbei walled, Middle Shang, Urban planning

   • Huanbei

9. Zhengzhou phases documented for early bronze production

   Jan 1, 1400Labels: Zhengzhou, Erligang horizon, Early bronze

   • Zhengzhou
   • Oxford HB

10. Shang period begins (archaeological consensus range)

    Jan 1, 1600Labels: Shang period, State foundries, Bronze institutionalization

    • Britannica
    • Britannica

11. Piece-mold bronze casting becomes standard practice

    Jan 1, 1600Labels: Piece-mold casting, Bronze vessels, Mold fragments

    • Britannica
    • Ritual Bronzes

12. Erligang urban center develops at Zhengzhou

    Jan 1, 1630Labels: Erligang urban, Zhengzhou, Specialized production

    • Britannica
    • Oxford HB
    • Zhengzhou

13. Large-scale bronze foundry complex excavated at Xiaomintun

    Jan 1, 2000Labels: Xiaomintun foundry, Anyang workshop, Excavation 2000

    • Chinese Arch