FA 34a Lecture Notes - Lecture 8: Taotie, Oracle Bone, Small Seal Script
Document Summary
The zhou continued the practice of casting bronze vessels. The taotie face mask motif started to be used less frequently during the zhou, indicating changes in ritual beliefs. The zhou rulers claimed legitimacy via the mandate of heaven. The mandate of heaven says that the heaven authorizes the rule of a just king. This idea was used to criticize the last kings of the shang who were unjust, as a means of legitimizing their rule following the zhou"s succession of the shang. The maogong ding is one of the most famous zhou bronzes. It has a relatively simple design, and it belonged to a duke and feudal lord, maogong. 32 rows of engraved writing (497 characters in total), it records the receipt of royal gifts and instructions to rectify political weaknesses in the duke"s land. The vessel was cast to record the order and express his gratitude. Aside from its societal functions, it also had ritual functions.
