Is Mao Dinggong a masterpiece of inscriptions on bronze in the Western Zhou Dynasty?

As a model of bronze inscriptions in the late Western Zhou Dynasty, Mao's inscriptions show the typical style and rational aesthetic trend of ancient calligraphy, and its style shows the highly mature style of Da Zhuan calligraphy, that is, thin, slender, meaningful and graceful. The composition is loose, patchwork and natural, showing a naive artistic interest. Through the perfect text layout in Mao, it shows that the characters in the late Western Zhou Dynasty formed a form and law with skillful writing skills and expression techniques.

The Duke of Zhou Mao Ding was a bronze ware in the late Western Zhou Dynasty, which was named after its maker, Duke Mao. In the 23rd year of Qing Daoguang (1843), it was unearthed in Qishan, Shaanxi.

It is 53.8 cm high, 27.2 cm deep, 47 cm in diameter and weighs 34.700 kg. The mouth is decorated with double rings, mouth opening, ears and three hooves.

Mao's inscription is nearly 500 words long (including 497 words, 499 words and 500 words), which is the longest bronze inscription seen. The inscription can be divided into seven paragraphs, saying: At the beginning of his accession to the throne, Zhou Xuanwang was eager to revitalize state affairs. He asked his uncle Mao Gong to govern internal and external affairs, and be diligent and selfless. Finally, he was given a life jacket and a generous gift, so Mao Gong cast a tripod and told his descendants forever.