Bronze Metalware

Historically, bronze, an alloy composed of copper and tin, has been conflated with brass, which is made of copper and zinc. Bronze and brass appear almost identical to one another, and without expert analysis, it is often impossible to determine which metal was used to create a particular piece.

The color of bronze depends on the amount of tin used during the smelting process. An item with five percent tin results in a light, golden shade, whereas an excess of 20 percent tin leads to a steely-gray color.

While many bronze vessels, including vases, bowls, and plates, were produced for everyday use, many were also smelted into elaborate ritual bronzes used during traditional ceremonies honoring ancestors and spirits. Important examples of bronze metalware made in ancient Africa and medieval Europe also survive. Today, there is a rich variety of bronze works available, including antique and contemporary bowls, plates, flatware, candlesticks, and centerpieces.

Quick Facts

• Some of the earliest examples of bronze metalware were made between 2000 and 771 B.C.
• On December 2, 2015, Christie’s Hong Kong sold a rare Jun Zun-shaped vase from the 14th-15th century for $596,326
• When bronze is exposed to air for a long period of time, it corrodes and turns green, as seen in ancient bronze works of art