Shang Dynasty - (ca. 1600 - 1050 B.C.E.)

IN 1766 B.C.E., Tang the Perfect, overthrew the Xia Dynasty and established the Shang Dynasty along the middle region of the Yellow River, in what is now Hennan and Western Shandong.

Due to the proximity to the Yellow River and Yangtze, the Shang developed an irrigation system and forms of flood control, many leaps where made in the way of agriculture and animal-husbandry. The Shang is also credited with the first written Chinese characters, thus the beginning of recorded history in China. This time period began what is known as the Bronze Age of China, bringing bronze-casting to new heights. Known for its unique craftsmanship in bronze, (which was used for everything from wine goblets to battle axes) jade, ceramics, and weaving, the Shang developed its own unique, lasting stamp on Chinese culture, and at the same time retained a surprisingly peaceful patriarchal society throughout its reign.

 An excellent example of the sheer amount of craft production is seen when looking at the tomb of Lady Fu Hao: the wife of King Wu Ding, who served as military general and a high priestess. While most royal tombs were looted for their treasure, hers remained untouched until it's discovery within the Yin Ruins in 1976. 

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The tomb held over 700 individual pieces of jade, over 400 bronze artifacts; over 6,000 pieces of cowry shell, more than 500 bone objects, most of which were hairpins, 67 stones pieces and 5 ivory artifacts.

A bronze Ding vessel found in Fu Hao's tomb. Inscribed with the first Chinese characters, her title: "Si Mu Xin" source

Another bronze find in the tomb, this was a one of a pair of zun - a wine drinking vessel. The animal is meant represent an owl or parrot. source

The Shang dynasty is credited with the first written recorded history in China. Oracles would use the cracks in tortoise shells or bones to read the future, and right down the history of their kings.

Thousands of these oracles bones have been recovered, but sadly any writings done on bamboo strips or silk did not survive the passage of time.  source

Buffalo. Late Shang Dynasty. Jade. source

                       

 Notched axe, Late Shang period, c. 1200–1000 B.C.Jade source

 Blade, Shang period, c.1600–1045 B.C. Jade source

 Bronze two-sided mask, Late Shang Period (c. 1200-1050 B.C.) source

The design above - the "taotie" - depicts a glutton monster in Shang culture. In the legend, the monster was so gluttonous it would immediately eat anything in sight, eventually eating its own body. The monster dies due to its boundless greed. This image was very popular in the society, used on axes and masks. source

 Pendant with monster mask, Shang period, 13th-11th century B.C. Jade

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Bronze sculpture with gold leafing. source