English
Unique Design，Cultural Heritage，Bronze Age
The Ancient Shu Civilization, one of the important early civilizations in Chinese history, once flourished but gradually faded away over time, disappearing into the long river of history. It was not until modern times that it was rediscovered, and its mysterious veil was once again lifted.
B.C. - The Glory and Sleep of the Ancient Shu Civilization
In ancient times, the Ancient Shu Civilization was known for its advanced bronze culture and unique religious rituals. The region of Shu (present-day Sichuan) during this period was a place of cultural prosperity and material wealth. Exquisite artifacts such as bronze vessels, jade objects, and gold items reflected the high craftsmanship of the ancient Shu people. However, with social changes and external invasions, this civilization gradually declined and fell into a long slumber, as if everything had entered an extended period of dormancy.
1029 - The Accidental Discovery by Yan Daocheng
In 1029, local farmer Yan Daocheng made an accidental discovery of jade and stone objects in a pit while working in the fields of Guanghan, Sichuan. Although this discovery did not garner widespread attention at the time, it paved the way for later archaeological work and uncovered a mysterious chapter of the Ancient Shu Civilization.
1934 - The Formation of the First Archaeological Team
In 1934, with growing attention on the Sanxingdui site, the first archaeological team began a ten-day excavation. Although the excavation was short, it unearthed many precious relics. The work of the team not only revealed the cultural significance of the Sanxingdui site but also laid the foundation for further in-depth excavations and studies.
1986 - The Awakening of Sanxingdui Shocks the World
In 1986, archaeologists discovered two large sacrificial pits, a major breakthrough that stunned the world. The relics unearthed from these pits, including bronze masks, bronze human figures, gold, and jade artifacts, showcased the advanced nature of the Ancient Shu Civilization and revealed connections between Sanxingdui and other ancient civilizations. This discovery marked the complete revival of the Sanxingdui site, and the mysterious veil of the Ancient Shu Civilization was finally lifted, becoming a significant breakthrough in world archaeology.
1997 - The Opening of the Sanxingdui Museum
In 1997, the Sanxingdui Museum officially opened, becoming an important base for the study of Ancient Shu Civilization. The museum houses a large collection of unearthed relics, showcasing the glorious history and rich cultural heritage of Sanxingdui. It not only attracts countless visitors and scholars but also makes Sanxingdui an integral part of the world cultural heritage.
From the prosperity of the Ancient Shu Civilization to its slumber, and then the rediscovery of Sanxingdui, the cyclical passage of time takes us across millennia into that mysterious and magnificent era. The unearthed relics of Sanxingdui not only reveal the essence of Ancient Shu culture but also allow us to witness the rise and fall of ancient civilizations in the long river of history and their eventual revival.
Design and Carving：Artisans begin by studying Sanxingdui cultural elements to design the incense burner's shape and decorations. Skilled carvers then handcraft the model, paying close attention to detail to ensure lifelike features and expressive designs.
Wax Model Creation：Using the carved model, craftsmen apply the lost-wax technique to create a wax model. This involves coating the model with wax, ensuring uniform thickness and a smooth surface to facilitate high-quality casting.
Shell Building and Pouring：The wax model is then enveloped in a heat-resistant sand shell through repeated cycles of heating and cooling, forming a sturdy mold. Molten bronze is poured into this mold, and upon cooling, the mold is removed, revealing the initial bronze incense burner form.
Cleaning and Polishing：After casting, artisans carefully clean the bronze piece, inspecting for any defects. They then polish and refine the surface, enhancing its sheen and highlighting intricate details.
Coloring and Decoration：Finally, the incense burner is painted and adorned as per the design specifications, achieving vibrant colors and intricate patterns that reflect the unique allure of Sanxingdui culture.
The craftsmanship of the Sanxingdui incense burner ornament is uniquely distinctive. Each incense burner is a carefully crafted piece of art. From the single-color glaze used in the kiln to the myriad color changes after being fired, the incense burner ornament presents a unique glaze that resembles the magical color palette of nature. Its color is rich and varied, ranging from deep and steady to bright and transparent, with each piece being one of a kind.
This glaze transformation of "one color in the kiln, thousands of colors out of the kiln" perfectly reflects the essence of ancient Shu craftsmanship. The colors of each Sanxingdui incense burner ornament showcase the wisdom and creativity of the ancient Shu artisans.
