The exhibition "Ronggu ShuoXin: Retro and Innovative Bronze Artifacts of Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties" jointly organized by the Shanghai Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, USA, was recently unveiled at the Shanghai Museum East. The exhibition is based on the collection of bronze artifacts from the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties in the Shanghai Museum, and gathers collections from many important museums in Asia, Europe, and America, supplemented by contemporary calligraphy and painting, ceramics, enamelware, etc., totaling about 178 pieces (groups) of exhibits, many of which are on public display for the first time. As ritual vessels in major ceremonies, ancient Chinese bronze ware carries the dual core of craftsmanship and cultural beliefs. During the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, the function of Chinese bronze ware gradually shifted from ceremonial to practical, and the craftsmanship became increasingly sophisticated. Craftsmen draw on the strengths of others and design more diverse types of objects. Bronze art has undergone a transformation from simple and solemn to exquisite and colorful, reflecting the changes in social and cultural trends. The exhibition interprets the development and characteristics of bronze ware from the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties through four units, showcasing the inheritance and innovation of ancient Chinese craftsmanship that adheres to the principle of "using ancient methods instead of sticking to ancient ones", and taking the audience to appreciate the unique humanistic connotation and artistic value of Chinese bronze ware. The Hebei Museum holds a bronze ox tripod from the fourth year of the Zhenghe reign of the Northern Song Dynasty (1114 AD), which was cast as a heavy vessel for the worship of Emperor Huizong's imperial temple. The three legged shape and body pattern of the vessel are taken from the famous Zhou Dynasty vessel "Jin Jiang Ding" included in both the "Archaeological Map" and the "Bo Gu Map", while the cow head decoration on the top of the three legs is derived from the contemporary ritual system recorded in the "Three Rites Map", which stipulates that cows, sheep, and Pixiu should be placed in different animal head tripods. This tripod confirms that Emperor Huizong's imperial workshop not only rigorously researched ancient artifacts, but also integrated contemporary elements, blending ancient and modern rituals and laws into one vessel. The Shanghai Museum has a bronze coffin made by Kunshan County School in the 20th year of Ming Chenghua (1484 AD), based on the "Zhou Taishi Wanggui" in the "Xuanhe Bo Gu Tu". The body of the box is elliptical, with a straight mouth. There are semi-circular animal ears on both sides of the belly, and four animal head legs are attached to the circular feet. The lid is covered with four cloud shaped catching hands. The edges of the container and lid are decorated with antique heavy ring patterns, and the rest are decorated with tile patterns. The shape and decoration of this vessel are highly consistent with the woodcut layout, reflecting the precision of the Ming Dynasty's antique craftsmanship. This exhibition will last until March 16, 2026. (New Society)