Kingly Crafts: The Archaeology of Craft Production in Late Shang China

One of the most significant sources of information on craft production in Bronze Age China is the site of Anyang, the last capital of the Shang dynasty. Excavations and research over the past ninety years have demonstrated the advanced level of Shang craft workers and the scale and capacity of the craft industries. However, materials unearthed in Anyang have been stored separately in China and Taiwan, making a thorough study of this important aspect of life in Shang China challenging. Kingly Crafts by Yung-ti Li provides a detailed picture of craft production in Anyang and sheds new light on the relationships between craft industries and political authority in the late Shang period.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 20 December 2022
Publisher: Columbia University Press

The site of Anyang, the final capital of the Shang dynasty, dating back to approximately 1200 to 1000 BCE, stands as a crucial source of information regarding craft production during the Bronze Age in China. Over the past ninety years, extensive excavations and research at the settlement have revealed the remarkable skills and expertise of Shang craft workers, as well as the vast scale and capabilities of the craft industries of that era. However, the materials unearthed in Anyang by various expeditions have since been stored separately in China and Taiwan, presenting a significant challenge to conducting a thorough study of this important aspect of Shang Chinese life. Despite efforts to integrate the data based on published material, the physical evidence has rarely been considered as a cohesive group.

In an attempt to bridge this gap, Yung-ti Li has undertaken a comprehensive analysis of the archaeological materials available in both China and Taiwan. Through meticulous research, Li presents a detailed picture of craft production in Anyang, shedding light on the intricate processes and technologies employed by the Shang artisans. Focusing on craft-producing activities such as bronze casting, bone working, shell and marble inlay working, lithic working, and pottery production, Kingly Crafts delves into the material remains, technological advancements, and production organization of the craft industries.

While the finished products showcase the remarkable level of Shang craftsmanship, Li emphasizes the importance of studying workshop remains and their archaeological context to fully reconstruct the social and political contexts of craft production. By offering a comprehensive investigation of these remains, Kingly Crafts provides a fresh perspective on the relationships between craft industries and political authority in the late Shang period.

This groundbreaking work not only enhances our understanding of the Shang dynasty but also contributes to our broader knowledge of ancient Chinese society and its complex social structures. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike, shedding light on the rich cultural heritage of China and its historical development.

Weight: 590g
Dimension: 243 x 166 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231192040