The Problem of Meaning in Early Chinese Ritual Bronzes [Colloquies on art & archaeology in Asia, no. 15.]

This outstanding collection of articles addresses one of the vexing questions of early China studies: what do the symbols adorning the ancient bronze vessels mean? Authors include Sarah Allan, Robert Bagley, Li Xueqin, Jessica Rawson, Xiong Chuanxin, Wang Tao, Colin McKenzie, and Alain Thote. An epilogue by Allan addresses the other essays, elaborating on her theory that the motifs are not "representations" of anything but do have thematic relationships with the myth and ritual of the Shang. The book includes many beautiful black-and-white illustrations. Production values are high--note the striking cover design. It evolved from a colloquy at the School of African and Oriental Studies in London, sponsored by the Percival David Foundation of Chinese Art.