Cast and Chased
The Influence of Ancient Chinese Bronze on Modern Silver
錘鍊鏤鑄
中國古代青銅器與現代銀器
Curated by Dr Florian Knothe
Edited by Dr Florian Knothe and Wei Qing Jasmin Lin
Website designed by Wei Qing Jasmin Lin
策展人：羅諾德博士
文字編輯：羅諾德博士，連維清
網站設計：連維清
Introduction
Cast and Chased forms part of the University Museum’s UMAG_STArts series on science and technology in the arts, which presents the materials and techniques used to create artwork throughout Chinese cultural history. By juxtaposing early Chinese bronzes from the UMAG collection with silverware made by Wai Kee Jewellers Ltd. (est. 1885) for twentieth-century Hong Kong connoisseur Kwan Sai Tak, this exhibition considers the enduring characteristics of fine Chinese metalwork.
Chinese bronzes of the Shang dynasty (c.1600–1046 BCE) and the Zhou dynasty (c.1046–256 BCE) are among the most celebrated domestic and ritual objects in Asian material culture. The quality of the metal alloys and the technical expertise required for casting and chasing are testament to the highly developed manufacturing techniques. Made from tin-copper alloys with varying concentrations of lead, these objects were created in smelting sites located along the Yellow River in Central China. Many of the utilitarian vessels were decorated with cloud designs, taotie, animal masks and other auspicious symbols.
Celebrated today for their enduring beauty, early Chinese bronzes also include practical objects, such as cooking and storage vessels, which offer insight into both the cultures from which they developed, as well as more contemporary objects. Their ornate splendour and utilitarian features have noticeably influenced the fanciful modern sterling silver pieces, while the craftsmanship emphasises the long-practiced technique of casting and chasing. This level of refined detail exemplifies the quality of Chinese metalworking throughout the millennia.
導言
《錘鍊鏤鑄》為香港大學美術博物館「藝創啟動」（UMAG_STArts）企劃展覽之一。此企劃旨在從科學與技術角度探討藝術創作，剖析物料和技法如何締造中國文化史上各種藝術瑰寶。展覽透過並置館藏中國早期青銅珍品及一批由惠記珠寶有限公司（創立於1885 年）為二十世紀香港鑑賞家關世德先生定製的銀器，揭示中國文化長河裡恆久不衰的精湛金屬工藝。
商周時代（約公元前1600年至前256年）的青銅鑄器，為亞洲物質文化中最享負盛名的日用器及禮器。在材質和技術方面，商周青銅器所採用的優良合金以及精巧的鑄鏤技藝，不僅印證古文明深藏於一器一物間，更彰顯先賢「致廣大而盡精微」的智慧。青銅器原產於中國中部黃河流域的冶煉遺址，以不同鉛含量的銅錫合金製成。當中不少器物均以雲紋、饕餮獸面紋或其他吉祥符號作紋飾。
青銅器歷久彌新的尊貴美態使其至今備受頌揚。除作為禮器外，青銅器亦作煮食或貯藏之用，既讓觀者一睹商周時代的文化風采，也使人聯繫至現今的日常器皿。青銅器的華麗造型及實用性啟發後世創作，尤見於是次展出的現代銀器，箇中工藝突顯鑄造鏨刻技術的悠久歷史。古今器物細膩超卓的造型相互輝映，乃中國綿延數千年的金屬工藝的最佳例證。
I. Casting Bronzes
一、青銅器冶鑄技術
Ancient Chinese bronze vessels like the li were based on traditional ceramic objects, and in some cases served the same domestic and ritual functions. Though the bronze variants were more difficult and expensive to produce, Chinese craftsmen relied on the same set of skills and experience, as the bronzes required similar clay working techniques for creating the ceramic molds. The liquid tin-copper alloy was carefully poured into the piece-molds, from which the cast object was taken after the metal cooled and solidified. This sophisticated process could be replicated to produce several of the same type object from a single mold. The inner surface of the mold in direct contact with the metal determined the shape and surface decoration of the bronze. Where the individual parts of the mold met, the impression would transfer onto the object. This impression was cleaned off when the bronze was chased to emphasise and refine the cast shapes and ornamental designs.
中國古代青銅器（例如鬲）參照傳統陶器製作而成，當中一些式樣具備與陶器相同的禮儀性質及日用功能。相比陶器，冶鑄青銅器雖更為困難和昂貴，然製作鑄銅所需陶範和製陶近似，匠人實際上可將製陶技術和經驗活用至製造鑄銅模範中。匠人謹慎地將液態銅錫合金傾注入陶範，待其冷卻凝固後，即從範中取出。通過此法，同一陶範可重複使用以製作式樣相同的鑄件。而鑄件之形體與表層紋飾取決於外範內壁，即與鑄件外層直接接觸的部分。若鑄型時使用多於一個塊範，塊範間的空隙會形成披縫並殘留在成品表面。匠人鏨刻裝飾銅器時，會清除此等鑄痕，突顯成品形態精緻規整。
Li
Earthenware
Shandong Province, China
Neolithic period, Longshan culture (2400–1900 BCE)
13.3 (H) x 15.3 (W) cm
HKU.C.1955.0153
鬲
陶器
中國山東省
新石器時代，龍山文化（公元前2400年至前1900年）
13.3 (高) x 15.3 (闊) 厘米
HKU.C.1955.0153
This tripod vessel is known as a li. It first appeared in the Longshan culture during the Neolithic period (2400–1900 BCE), and was used for cooking or occasionally in burial ceremonies. It was a prototype for similarly shaped bronze vessels in the Shang and Zhou dynasties.
Ceramic li vessels often were decorated with patterns formed by rope impressions, which increased the heating efficiency of cooking vessels by maximising the available surface area.
此三足器稱為「鬲」。「鬲」首見於新石器時代（公元前2400年至前1900年）的龍山文化，為一種煮食炊具，偶爾亦作陪葬品。此類陶鬲乃商周時代形制相近的青銅器之原型。
陶鬲多以拍印繩紋為裝飾。這種裝飾可提升器物表面的受熱面積以強化炊器的加熱功能。
Li with cloud design
Cast and chased bronze
China, Shang dynasty (c.1600–c.1046 BCE)
16.4 (H) x 13.5 (W) x 13.7 (D) cm
HKU.B.1955.0171
雲紋鬲
青銅鏨刻鑄器
中國，商代（約公元前1600年至前1046年）
16.4 (高) x 13.5 (闊) x 13.7 (深) 厘米
HKU.B.1955.0171
Li–shaped vessel
Cast, repoussé-shaped, chased and polished sterling silver
Hong Kong, Wai Kee Jewellers Ltd., 1980s
Stamped with Wai Kee trademark and collector’s mark
20.7 (H) x 20 (W) cm; 15.8 (diameter of rim) cm
Loan from the Estate of Kwan Sai Tak
鬲形器
純銀錘揲鏨刻鑄器，經拋光處理
香港，惠記珠寶有限公司，1980年代
蓋有惠記商標及藏家印記
20.7 (高) x 20 (闊) 厘米；15.8 (口沿直徑) 厘米
關世德先生蒐藏
This li is a cooking vessel mounted with two loop handles. It is decorated with a cloud and thunder pattern (yun or yunwen (雲紋) and lei or leiwen (雷紋)) that symbolises life-bringing rain and the abundance it brought to farming communities. This design has occurred in Chinese art since the Neolithic period and was routinely used to decorate Shang dynasty ancestral sacrificial rituals.
此鬲為飪器，上置雙立耳。口沿下飾一周雲雷紋，象徵潤澤萬物的雨水，寓意歲物豐成。中國藝術的雲雷紋最早見於新石器時代，及後亦用於裝飾商代祭祖禮器。
This jardinière or flower pot is shaped in the form of an ancient li, a ritual vessel of the Shang dynasty.
Its bowl is decorated with a chased ornament and supported by mask-headed tapering legs. Positioned atop the three legs are finely sculpted bird heads, an ornamental feature that does not exist on bronze li.
此花盆以古代鬲── 一種商代禮器為原型。器身佈滿鏨刻花紋，袋形腹上飾獸面紋，足部向下收攏。相異於傳統青銅鬲，此器足部正上方均設精緻浮雕鳥首。
II. Chasing Bronzes
二、青銅鏨刻工藝
Cast bronze objects with detailed surface decorations were often chased. Chasing is a metalworking process in which fine detail is achieved by hammering, sometimes with a chisel, to sink the metal and to define a design by refining its outlines. This ancient technique employs simple tools to achieve a high level of definition without removing any material. Cast animal masks and finely outlined frieze decorations were typically perfected through chasing.
Later thinner bronze vessels, as well as objects made from softer metals, including silver, can also be shaped by repoussage (the French term for ‘pushback’ or, in metalworking practice, ‘push out’). The form of the object is sculpted by hammering from the reverse side to create a design in low relief. Contours achieved in the repoussé technique are subsequently often chased on the front side to add detail and definition. Chasing is sometimes paired with engraving, where the engraving process cuts into the surface of the object and removes metal.
表面帶精細紋飾的青銅鑄器常經鏨刻處理。鏨刻為一種金工裝飾技法──透過錘擊或配合鏨子使金屬表
面產生凹凸不平、深淺有致的鏨痕圖案，可用於修整紋飾細節，進一步完善整體形態。此古老金屬加工技法毋須削除任何金屬，運用簡單工具即能刻畫繁複細節。鑄器活靈活現的獸面紋飾或紋帶常經鏨刻修飾，以求臻於完美。
錘揲技法則可應用於較晚期、器壁較薄的青銅器，或採用軟金屬（例如銀）材質的作品。此法充分利用金屬自身的延伸性，從器物內壁反覆錘擊敲打至器體或紋飾成形，成品具淺浮雕效果。經錘揲技法塑形後，匠人隨即從外壁以鏨刻技法添加細節。鏨刻技法不時與雕刻技法交替配合使用，然有別於鏨刻，雕刻技法需削去作品表面金屬以構成花紋。
Gui with taotie, animal masks and cloud design
Cast and chased bronze
China, Shang dynasty (c.1600–c.1046 BCE)
14.2 (H) x 27.2 (W) x 20.3 (D) cm
HKU.B.1953.0020
饕餮獸面雲紋簋
青銅鏨刻鑄器
中國，商代（約公元前1600年至前1046年）
14.2 (高) x 27.2 (闊) x 20.3 (深) 厘米
HKU.B.1953.0020
Gui with animal masks and cloud design
Cast and chased bronze
China, Eastern Zhou dynasty (c. 771–c. 256 BCE)
16.4 (H) x 27.1 (W) x 19.6 (D) cm
HKU.B.1953.0021
獸面雲紋簋
青銅鏨刻鑄器
中國，東周（約公元前771年至前256年）
16.4 (高) x 27.1 (闊) x 19.6 (深) 厘米
HKU.B.1953.0021
This gui is decorated with a finely chased low relief representing a taotie, animal masks and cloud design on the vessel’s exterior. The interior of the bowl contains a pictogram of two human figures facing each other and sharing a meal, which typically symbolises the specific clan for which the bronze was made.
此簋飾精巧饕餮、獸面及雲狀淺浮雕紋飾，為匠人從器物外壁以鏨刻技法所鐫而成。器身內底鑄有銘文，象兩人相對跪坐就食之形，乃此器所屬的氏族之名稱。
A gui is a ritual vessel used for holding grains and other food offerings. Its shape follows earlier ceramic versions for domestic use. This bronze is decorated with animal masks and a cloud design. It was excavated in Luoyang in Henan province, one of the cradles of Chinese civilisation.
青銅簋為盛放穀物及其他祭祀食物的禮器，形制沿襲早期日用陶器。此器飾獸面紋及雲紋，出土自被視為中國文明搖籃之一的河南洛陽。
Gui–shaped vessel
Cast, repoussé-shaped, chased and polished sterling silver
Hong Kong, Wai Kee Jewellers Ltd., 1980s
Stamped with Wai Kee trademark and collector’s mark
24.8 (H) x 41.2 (W) x 30.2 (D) cm
Loan from the Estate of Kwan Sai Tak
This presentation bowl is loosely modelled after a gui vessel. Like its ancient bronze form, it was used to serve food. It includes a similar frieze and handles with animal masks, but unlike most ancient gui it also has legs—similar to a Shang dynasty fangding—instead of a round base.
簋形碗
純銀錘揲鏨刻鑄器，經拋光處理
香港，惠記珠寶有限公司，1980年代
蓋有惠記商標及藏家印記
24.8 (高) x 41.2 (闊) x 30.2 (深) 厘米
關世德先生蒐藏
此碗略有參照青銅簋之樣式。與之相同，此器亦用於盛放食物，並飾類似紋帶及獸面雙耳。然不似古簋，此碗不設圈足，而似商代方鼎，於腹下置四足。
III. Using Bronzes
三、青銅器的用途
Unlike ceramic vessels used in domestic contexts for the preparation of food and drink, bronze objects were predominantly made for ritual use in temples and tombs. Related to domestic practice in terms of functionality, their primary use was linked to ancestor worship. Shang and Zhou dynasty bronzes were divided into several categories for the preparation or storage of foods. Li and ding were used for the cooking of meat, while jue, jia and jiao warmed wine. Gui and dui were food containers and you were used to store wine. Lidded dings fulfilled a hybrid function as their covers were often mounted with feet, and could be flipped over and used to serve food items. Their usage in ritual ceremonies highlights the importance of the bronzes and alludes to the context of their decoration: the cloud design, for example, has significant auspicious meaning—as it represents a ‘good omen’ or ‘good luck’—since the Chinese word yún (雲) for ‘cloud’ sounds similar to the word yùn (運) meaning ‘luck’ or ‘fortune’.
有別於作為日常飲食器皿的陶器，青銅器主要用於宗廟及喪葬的禮儀活動。從實用性而言，青銅器的使用雖與日常生活有關，但實則它的首要用途與祭祖活動有著緊密聯繫。商周時期的青銅器式樣多變，根據其飪食及貯藏用途分門別類。鬲和鼎用作炊煮肉食，爵、斝和角則用作溫酒。簋和敦用於盛放食物，而卣則用於容酒。蓋鼎具雙重用途，此類器蓋通常附足，除器身用於烹煮肉類外，亦可將器蓋倒置來盛放食物。青銅器物的禮樂祭祀用途彰顯它們崇高的地位，同時透露青銅器紋飾寓意之所在：例如雲紋具吉祥意味──「雲」與意指幸運的「運」發聲相近。
You with animal mask
Cast and chased bronze
China, Western Zhou dynasty (c.1046–c. 771 BCE)
25.5 (H) x 20.6 (W) x 16.7 (D) cm
HKU.B.1954.0095
獸面紋卣
青銅鏨刻鑄器
中國，西周（約公元前1046年至前771年）
25.5 (高) x 20.6 (闊) x 16.7 (深) 厘米
HKU.B.1954.0095
You–shaped covered bowl
Cast, chased and polished sterling silver
Hong Kong, Wai Kee Jewellers Ltd., 1980s
Stamped with Wai Kee trademark and collector’s mark
19.2 (H) x 16.1 (W) x 13.8 (D) cm
Loan from the Estate of Kwan Sai Tak
卣形蓋碗
純銀鏨刻鑄器，經拋光處理
香港，惠記珠寶有限公司，1980年代
蓋有惠記商標及藏家印記
19.2 (高) x 16.1 (闊) x 13.8 (深) 厘米
關世德先生蒐藏
The you is a lidded vessel for liquid offerings. It contains deep relief casting that illustrates various animals in four staggered frieze motifs, and is mounted with a prominent knob placed in the centre of the lid. The front and sides of both the vessel and its lid show strong vertical ridges.
此卣為帶隆蓋的盛酒禮器。器身鑄有四圈深浮雕獸紋帶，蓋頂中心置瓜棱形鈕。器、蓋的前方及兩側皆有寬厚突出的扉棱。
This covered bowl is cast in the shape of an ancient you. It includes traditional decoration, such as animals in staggered frieze motifs and vertical ridges, as well as the typical cast loop handle mounted to knobs in the shape of animal masks.
此蓋碗鑄成古代卣形。飾有傳統紋樣造型，比如器身參照青銅器以扉棱分隔的獸紋帶，以及肩部兩側上接典型環狀提梁的獸面形環耳。
Ding with dragon design
Cast and chased bronze
China, Eastern Zhou dynasty, Spring and Autumn period
(c. 771–c. 476 BCE)
34.5 (H) x 47 (W) x 40.9 (D) cm
HKU.B.1997.1171
龍紋鼎
青銅鏨刻鑄器
中國，東周、春秋時期（約公元前771年至前476年）
34.5 (高) x 47 (闊) x 40.9 (深) 厘米
HKU.B.1997.1171
Ding–shaped bowl
Cast, repoussé-shaped, chased and polished sterling silver
Hong Kong, Wai Kee Jewellers Ltd., 1980s
Stamped with Wai Kee trademark and collector’s mark
16.1 (H) cm; 30.7 (diameter) cm
Loan from the Estate of Kwan Sai Tak
鼎形碗
純銀錘揲鏨刻鑄器，經拋光處理
香港，惠記珠寶有限公司，1980年代
蓋有惠記商標及藏家印記
16.7 (高) 厘米；30.7 (直徑) 厘米
關世德先生蒐藏
The ding is a large and heavy food container with a reversible lid. It is cast as a round vessel with two facing handles supported by mask-headed and waisted legs. Its body is decorated with an interlocking dragon design.
此鼎體量雄偉，頂蓋可倒置，作盛放食物之用。圓腹圜底，兩側各有寬厚立耳，下置四只獸蹄足。鼎身飾彼此交疊纏繞的豐富龍紋。
This presentation bowl is loosely modelled after a ding vessel. Like its ancient bronze form, it was used to serve food. However, it features a more voluptuous and wider bowl and shorter legs than most dings and does not have handles.
此碗稍為參考青銅鼎之樣式，亦用於盛放食物。然而有異於古鼎，其碗身較為豐厚圓潤、口沿外敞，柱足比多數古鼎短，且不設立耳。
Dui with string design
Cast bronze
China, Eastern Zhou dynasty, Warring States period
(c. 475–c. 256 BCE)
21.7 (H) x 24.4 (W) x 18.6 (D) cm
HKU.B.1955.0173
弦紋敦
青銅鑄器
中國，東周、戰國時期（約公元前475年至前256年）
21.7 (高) x 24.4 (闊) x 18.6 (深) 厘米
HKU.B.1955.0173
Dui–shaped covered bowl
Cast, chased and polished sterling silver
Hong Kong, Wai Kee Jewellers Ltd., 1980s
Stamped with Wai Kee trademark and collector’s mark
15.5 (H) cm; 12 (diameter) cm
Loan from the Estate of Kwan Sai Tak
敦形蓋碗
純銀鏨刻鑄器，經拋光處理
香港，惠記珠寶有限公司，1980年代
蓋有惠記商標及藏家印記
15.5 (高) 厘米；12 (直徑) 厘米
關世德先生蒐藏
The dui is a food container used as a ritual vessel that features a restrained and elegant string design. The applied loops serve a dual purpose, both as handles and feet. The reversible lid can be turned over to display food.
此青銅敦為盛食禮器，通體飾簡潔典雅弦紋。敦身上的環耳既可作為把手，又可作為器足。器蓋可倒置，並用於盛食。
These covered bowls imitate the shape of a traditional dui. All of the objects contain chased decorations and applied loops that function as feet on the bowls. The round domed lids are the same shape and size as the bowl, and can be turned over to serve food.
此組蓋碗仿照古代敦而製，器身均飾鏨刻花紋。置帶環扁足支撐碗身。蓋與器皆為圓腹，上下同形對稱，將蓋頂倒置即可盛食。
IV. Appreciating Silver
四、鑑賞銀器
Silver is a pure chemical element (Ag) that, like bronze, is used in alloys, to make the soft, white and lustrous metal stronger when shaped into utilitarian objects. In China, silver became widely used in bowls and jewelry, including hairpins and combs. In modern Hong Kong, silver manufacturing has been influenced by Chinese and European materials—both the precise composition of the alloy and the techniques and stylistic features.
Sterling silver originated in continental Europe in the 12th century, where it was first used in commerce in the area that is now northern Germany. The first standard for sterling silver was established in England in 1275, determining its fineness at 925—containing 92.5% by weight of silver and 7.5% by weight of other metals, predominately copper. Although sterling silver is commonly used for European objects, Hong Kong firms, including Wai Kee Jewellers Ltd., also used this highly refined and comparatively pure and soft metal for Chinese vessels, as exemplified by the ancient bronze-inspired tableware displayed here.
銀（化學元素符號Ag）具有柔軟、皚白及富有光澤的特性。它與銅一樣，為最常用作生產合金的化學元素，透過混合其他金屬提升硬度藉以鑄造不同器具。銀在中國普遍用於碗具與珠寶製作，如髮簪和梳篦等。近代香港製銀工藝深受中西銀器之影響，糅合精準合金比例及金工技法，展現出別樹一幟的風格。
標準純銀源自十二世紀歐陸，最初在現今德國北部地區作交易之用，其銀含量標準於1275年在英格蘭獲首次確立：銀佔比92.5%，其餘7.5%為以銅為主的其他金屬。縱使標準純銀大量用於歐洲工藝品，香港本地珠寶生產商如惠記珠寶有限公司，也採用這種比例嚴格、銀含量高且柔軟的金屬製作中式器具。正如此次展出的銀製餐具，不僅呈現標準純銀在本地製銀工藝的位置，同時體現商周青銅器式樣的鮮明特色。
Jue, Jiao and Jia–shaped cups
Cast, chased and polished sterling silver
Hong Kong, Wai Kee Jewellers Ltd., 1980s
Stamped with Wai Kee trademark and collector’s mark
Jue–shaped cup: 17.2 (H) x 12.6 (W) x 7.8 (D) cm
Jiao–shaped cup (without lid): 14.2 (H) x 10.2 (W) x 7.7 (D) cm
Jia–shaped cup: 18.3 (H) x 10.3 (W) x 7.6 (D) cm
Loan from the Estate of Kwan Sai Tak
These drinking cups imitate the shape of the traditional jue, jiao and jia ritual tripod vessels, and display a variety of surface and applied decorations, including two straight posts. Their spouts are not as long, and the overall proportions not as extreme as many of its ancient precursors.
爵、角及斝形杯
純銀鏨刻鑄器，經拋光處理
香港，惠記珠寶有限公司，1980年代
蓋有惠記商標及藏家印記
爵形杯：17.2 (高) x 12.6 (闊) x 7.8 (深) 厘米
角形杯 (無蓋)：14.2 (高) x 10.2 (闊) x 7.7 (深) 厘米
斝形杯：18.3 (高) x 10.3 (闊) x 7.6 (深) 厘米
關世德先生蒐藏
這組飲器仿效傳統禮用三足酒器爵、角、斝之式樣，各自展現了豐富多變的裝飾紋樣和造型，如爵和斝口沿附近立有一對直立圓柱。與商周時期的青銅酒器不同，此批純銀杯具流尾短小，比例較為勻稱。
Jue with cloud design
Cast and chased bronze
China, Shang dynasty (c. 1600–c. 1046 BCE)
20.2 (H) x 17.7 (W) x 8.8 (D) cm
HKU.B.1953.0004
This three-legged ritual wine vessel is decorated with a cloud and thunder pattern, and displays two mushroom-shaped button posts. It has an asymmetrically-shaped rim with a long spout, and a small loop handle featuring an animal mask.
雲紋爵
青銅鏨刻鑄器
中國，商代（約公元前1600年至前1046年）
20.2 (高) x 17.7 (闊) x 8.8 (深) 厘米
HKU.B.1953.0004
此三錐足禮用酒器以雲雷紋裝飾，近流折處立有兩圓柱，上方各置菌狀帽。此器口沿一端為細長的流，另一端為尖狀短尾，兩端不對稱，腹身一側設獸面弧形鋬。
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