The Study Of Wave Curved Lines On Zhou Bronzes

Wave curved lines, also known as the wave band lines, the zone lines, etc. is one of the main decoration patters of bronze in Zhou dynasty. Its basic shape is a broadband, curving as wave. There are some shapes of the mouth, eyebrow, animals and other patterns in the trough. Due to the simple compositions and small variations, the wave curved lines has not attracted enough attention in the academic circles, and there is no specific and systematic research.Based on the wave curved lines recorded on< the Complete Works of Chinese Bronzes>,< Xia, Shang and Zhou Bronzes>,< Zhou Original Bronzes>,< Zeng Nation Bronzes> and other books included the Zhou Dynasty bronze, using the method of archaeological typology, firstly we have classified the wave curved lines detailedly under the wave grain zone the decoration between valleys, finding out the corresponding relationship between various types. Then on the basis of research results, we have discussed the characteristics of the times and regulations of the development evolution. Finally we have approached the properties and causes of wave curved lines.Through the research, we found:Wave grain zone of wave curved lines can be divided into two categories, no fold, fold, and each type to wave with any beast is divided into two categories:grains with fold and grains with on fold. According to the wave with any beast, each type is divided into two small classes.The mouth striate and eyebrow striate are the main decorations between the troughs. However the largest number of or the most popular wavezone line is with smooth zone, the decorations with no fold and no beast and the valleys filled with mouth and eyebrow shape combination.Wave curved lines from mid western Zhou Dynasty appeared and develop rapidly from the mid Western Zhou. Till the late Western Zhou Dynasty it reached its peak, and sustainablely developed to early Spring and Autumn period. Then the middle of Spring and Autumn period it began to decline. Finally it completely disappeared after the mid Warring States period. It had developed for more than 400 years, when the main popular stage was in the Western Zhou Dynasty, late and early Spring and Autumn period.This paper argues that wave curved lines should be the combination of simplified and tranformational animal patterns and geometric patterns. Its formation had a close relationship with the various revolutions of religions, politics and culture in the Western Zhou Dynasty, starting from the mid of the Zhou Dynasty.