Ancient art, new bridge

Rites and Music

The second section of the exhibition, called "Rites and Music", is meant to reveal the relation between bronze ware and the ritual system that has existed in China for about 3,000 years, since the early Zhou Dynasty.

In the Zhou Dynasty, bronze ware served not only as daily utensils but also as ritual vessels. During the period, the country's hierarchical system was marked by the graded ownership of ritual vessels, especially the bronze vessels.

According to the system, the sovereigns of the Zhou Dynasty — who called themselves "the sons of heaven" — were "authorized by the heavenly sovereign" to own nine ding tripods, while dukes and princes could own seven, high-ranking officials could own five, and lower-ranking scholars could own three or one.

A similar system was also applied to the ownership of bronze food vessels known as gui, according to which, the sons of heaven could own eight, dukes and princes could own six and high-ranking officials could own four.

During the exhibition in Tbilisi, a bronze gui is highlighted.

When visiting the exhibition, Lili Davitashvili, a Georgian Sinologist, noticed that the vessel features ocular thunder and straight-line patterns.

She said she used to study in China. During her stay, she developed a strong interest in ancient bronze ware, especially the patterns on the items.

"The patterns, either animals or decorative motifs, are the important identifying features of the vessels," Davitashvili said. "The patterns on this bronze gui give me a sense of awe and stability."

"I'm glad to see so many ancient Chinese bronze items in my home country," she added.

In ancient China, rites had always been accompanied by music, giving typical musical instruments such as bianzhong — or bronze chime bells — a special place in the ritual system.

At the Georgian National Museum, a set of bianzhong was on display. It is composed of bronze bells of different sizes. An introduction to the items informs visitors that music can be played by striking the bells according to scores.