The Zhou Dynasty

"Around 1050 B.C., the Zhou, whose dynasty endured until 256 B.C., overthrew the Shang kingdom.  The very earliest Zhou art is nearly indistinguishable from that of the Shang, and some artists probably worked for both dynasties.  Within a generation, however, changes in vessel shapes already had occurred, and by the fourth century B.C., Zhou bronzes featured entirely new designs - scenes of hunting, religious rites, and magic practices.  These may relate to the subjects and compositions of lost paintings mentioned in Zhou literature. ... Zhou artists produced objects in great quantity to satisfy the elaborate demands of ostentatious feudal courts vying with one another in lavish display."

- Gardner's Art Through The Ages, 11th edition, Vol. I, p. 192

This bronze serving vessel has a detachable lid which can be flipped to be used as a serving or dining platter.

This cooking pot exemplifies the zoomorphic elements of Shang and Zhou bronze design.  Like the other bronzes on this page, this cooking pot was recovered from a burial site where it was used as a ceremonial item for the afterlife.

 This wine vessel exemplifies the superb craftsmanship and creative yet utilitarian elements of the design.  The horns and tail function as handles, the nose ring acts as a spout, while the small creature on the vessel's back acts as a handle for opening the vessel and pouring the hot (spiced) wine into it.

 This Zhou ceremonial bell contains an inscription in ancient Chinese characters which identify the tomb from which it was exhumed.  Ceremonial bells have been the primary musical instrument type which have been found from the Shang and Zhou dynasties.