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Eastern Zhou Jade Belt Ornament
The rings are held together by links without joints in them, and the whole was carved from a small jade pebble. A similar but more elaborate belt ornament has been excavated from the 5th-century tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng, found at Suizhou...
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Ancient Chinese Philosophy
The term Ancient Chinese Philosophy refers to the belief systems developed by various philosophers during the era known as the Hundred Schools of Thought when these thinkers formed their own schools during the Spring and Autumn Period (c...
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Western Zhou Ritual Vessel
The bronze and its inscription were cast for the Duke of Xing, a descendant of a famous historical figure, the Duke of Zhou. The long inscription inside dedicates the vessel to the Duke of Zhou. It records the gift of three groups of men...
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Eastern Zhou Sword
A bronze, double-edged straight sword from the Eastern Zhou Dynasty. Decorated with turqoise and gold. Warring States Period, c. early 5th century BCE. China. (Courtesy of the Smithsonian Institute)
Definition
Teng Shih
Teng Shih (l. c. 500 BCE) was a Chinese Sophist and lawyer who lived and wrote in the province of Cheng (Pengcheng, modern-day Xuzhou, Jiangsu province) during the era of the Spring and Autumn Period (c. 772-476 BCE) which preceded the Warring...
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Bronze Zhou Cooking Vessel
A Western Zhou ceremonial bronze of cooking-vessel form inscribed to record that the King of Zhou gave a fiefdom to Shi You, ordering that he inherit the title as well as the land and people living there. Bronze Gui of Shi You (food container...
Definition
Mandate of Heaven
The Mandate of Heaven (Tianming), also known as Heaven's Mandate, was the divine source of authority and the right to rule of China's early kings and then emperors. The ancient god or divine force known as Heaven or Sky selected a particular...
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Palace Scene in Zhou Dynasty China
Artist's impression of a palace scene in Zhou Dynasty China. Created by Amplitude Studios for the video game Humankind.
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Emperor Taizu of Song
Emperor Taizu (960-976 CE), formerly known as Zhao Kuangyin, was the founder of the Song (aka Sung) dynasty which ruled China from 960 to 1279 CE. Taizu settled for a territorially smaller but more unified and prosperous China than was seen...
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Western Zhou Ritual Vessel
Bronze ritual vessel, Western Zhou Dynasty, 1100-1000 BCE. Henan Province, China. The ancient Chinese tradition of preparing ceremonial meals for ancestors dates back to the Shang dynasty (1500-1050 BCE). An inscription inside this bowl...