Through the Dynasties · LH2
Shang
Oracle-bone inscriptions and the Hymns of Shang: the first written Chinese and the roots of prose
Bronze metallurgy and oracle bone inscriptions
A black bird swoops down from golden clouds past an altar of bronze ritual vessels, while a great river winds across the plain toward an ancient walled city. The scene draws on the Shang hymn "Heaven commanded the black bird to descend and give birth to Shang", evoking the dynasty's founding myth and its bronze-age ritual culture.
Heaven decreed the Black Bird (Swallow) to descend and give birth to Shang, dwelling in the vast lands of Yin. The ancient Lord commanded Martial Tang to pacify the four quarters; issuing mandates to lords, possessing all nine regions. The capital of Shang stands majestic, the beacon of all four directions!
Read the work →Works from this dynasty are still being catalogued; start with the work in the mural.