The Early History of Metallurgy in China
Metallurgy in ancient China was one of the most unique phenomenons of the early civilizations, specializing in rare metals and materials, innovative and advanced techniques, and special craft. The documented beginning of China's journey through metallurgy was around the 3rd millennium B.C.E, where bronze was the most common material for manufacturing, and jade and bronze together were the most valuable materials together. Mainly used for ceremonial purposes, and symbolizing power, domination, and an extended period of success, bronze was always in high demand. Consequently, gold and silver lost in the battle for most respected metals in society, for they were not abundant enough to use in important pieces and artifacts.
The Differences Between Chinese Metallurgy and the Rest of the World
The metallurgical techniques of ancient China metallurgical had many qualities that made them stick out from other civilizations in the neighboring Asian and Egyptian territories. For one, they did not use their metals for orientation or jewelry. Furthermore, they did not use silver and gold as often as the others. Another major difference was in the way their products were manufactured. Blacksmiths and other specialized workers handcrafted metal in European societies, while large workshops with production lines of workers at different stations dealt with the process of metals in China.
The Zhou Dynasty's Impact
It was roughly between 770 and 221 B.C.E. that the Zhou period left its influence on the culture, technology, and development of metallurgy in eastern China. The development of cast iron was a substantial advancement in the field of metals, dealing with precious metals to create some of the most prized pieces of metal in the history of China. By the end of the Zhou rule, the innovations in metallurgy would be the set standard for all future metalwork and China, as well as all over the world. Though influenced by the other civilizations around them that were using similar metals, the Chinese developed their own unique metallurgical traditions that emphasized their culture and traditions.
The Differences Between Chinese Metallurgy and the Rest of the World
The metallurgical techniques of ancient China metallurgical had many qualities that made them stick out from other civilizations in the neighboring Asian and Egyptian territories. For one, they did not use their metals for orientation or jewelry. Furthermore, they did not use silver and gold as often as the others. Another major difference was in the way their products were manufactured. Blacksmiths and other specialized workers handcrafted metal in European societies, while large workshops with production lines of workers at different stations dealt with the process of metals in China.
The Zhou Dynasty's Impact
It was roughly between 770 and 221 B.C.E. that the Zhou period left its influence on the culture, technology, and development of metallurgy in eastern China. The development of cast iron was a substantial advancement in the field of metals, dealing with precious metals to create some of the most prized pieces of metal in the history of China. By the end of the Zhou rule, the innovations in metallurgy would be the set standard for all future metalwork and China, as well as all over the world. Though influenced by the other civilizations around them that were using similar metals, the Chinese developed their own unique metallurgical traditions that emphasized their culture and traditions.