Kingship, Ritual, and Royal Ideology in Western Zhou China

During the Western Zhou period, kings used ritual to create and retain power, adapting it to suit their political needs. Paul Nicholas Vogt's book explores this period through an investigation of bronze vessel inscriptions, revealing how the kings of the Western Zhou shaped the tradition of statecraft and influenced later remembrances of Zhou royal ritual.

Format: Hardback
Length: 350 pages
Publication date: 10 November 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

In the rich tapestry of Chinese history, the Western Zhou period emerges as a revered era, celebrated for its profound reverence and ceremonial splendor. During this epoch, the kings of the Western Zhou dynasty took center stage, crafting intricate rituals that would lay the foundation for the imperial governance that would endure for centuries. In his groundbreaking work, Paul Nicholas Vogt delves into the enigmatic origins of these rituals, unearthing their profound connection to the intricate web of Western Zhou royal geopolitics. Through a meticulous examination of inscriptions etched onto bronze vessels, the most reliable contemporary source for this period, Vogt unveils the intricate strategies employed by the kings to consolidate and maintain their power.

He reveals how these rulers deftly adapted ritual to create a powerful tool for their own ends, while simultaneously introducing transformative changes that would shape the subsequent recollections of Zhou royal ritual and influence the trajectory of statecraft throughout Chinese history. By employing a fusion of ritual and social theory, Vogt offers a fresh perspective on the history of pre-modern China, tracing the emergence of ancient traditions, the establishment and sustenance of ruling dynasties, the interplay between religion and politics, and the profound significance assigned to art and artifacts by ancient peoples.

Through his meticulous research and insightful analysis, Vogt unveils the intricate tapestry of the Western Zhou period, shedding light on the origins and evolution of Chinese society and culture. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of this pivotal era in Chinese history, as it provides a rich and captivating exploration of the power of ritual, politics, and cultural significance.

Weight: 852g
Dimension: 183 x 259 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781316517611