The Shang dynasty of north-central China (c. 1500-1000 BCE) was a flourishing Bronze Age civilization that maintained control over much of north China for nearly six hundred years. It also produced spectacular bronze ritual vessels that are among the greatest cultural and technological achievements of any ancient civilization. Ancient Chinese Bronzes offers readers the unique opportunity to see Daniel Shapiro's astonishing collection of ancient Chinese Shang dynasty bronze ritual vessels. The mystery and beauty of these bronzes is captured in dramatic large-format illustrations both in color and in black and white.