In order to cast inscriptions, the first step is to make adobe and molds. Generally, clay is used to make an adobe (model) about the size of the finished product; Wrap the adobe with clay, and when it is dry, cut the outer clay to make an outer mold; Remove the outer layer of the model and use it as an internal model, and carve patterns and characters on it; Combining an outer mold and an inner mold, placing a copper sheet between them, leaving a gap between the inner mold and the outer mold, and injecting molten copper; After the mold is cooled, the inner and outer membranes are broken and the bronze ware is taken out.
In fact, bronze inscriptions with similar pictures were engraved on the bronzes of Shang Dynasty, and by the end of Shang Dynasty, they had developed into bronze inscriptions and those of Oracle Bone Inscriptions. This bronze inscription flourished in the Zhou Dynasty and lasted until the Qin and Han Dynasties. However, there are few artifacts and inscriptions in the Yin and Shang dynasties, and there are not many in the Qin and Han dynasties, so the mainstream bronze inscriptions should be regarded as Zhou Dynasty.
Like Oracle Bone Inscriptions, there are calligraphy in the style of inscriptions on bronze. It can also be said that the development of inscriptions on bronze promoted the development of calligraphy art. You know, inscriptions on bronze in the Western Zhou Dynasty is a very mature art, which has been recognized by many calligraphers later. It can be seen that after the demise of Shang Dynasty, Zhou people inherited and developed their calligraphy of inscriptions, reaching the peak in art.
The main types are:
Bronze inscriptions in Yin and Shang Dynasties. Even though there were bronzes before Shang Dynasty, the inscriptions on bronzes actually began after Pan Geng moved to Yin (northwest of Anyang, Henan). There were only a few words at first, and by the early years of the Zhou Dynasty, it had reached 1200 words.
Jin Wen of Zhou Dynasty. After Dong moved to the capital, with the increase of ironware, bronze instruments such as bronze bells also increased, so the way of recording bronze inscriptions was different. At this time, bronze inscriptions were widely used, which was the heyday.
Bronze inscriptions in Qin and Han Dynasties. After Qin Shihuang unified the whole country, imperial edicts were written in the same language and monuments were erected in all directions. They all used the seal script, and the inscriptions on Zhong Ding were no longer engraved, so the inscriptions on bronze inscriptions gradually declined.