First Bronze Ritual Vessels at Erlitou

Bronze ritual vessels appeared at the Erlitou site in China's Yellow River valley around 1850-1750 BCE. Craftsmen produced jue cups and jia pitchers using piece-mold casting, creating vessels with thin walls and geometric designs for elite wine ceremonies. Bronze production occurred at centralized foundries near palatial complexes, linking metallurgy to political control. These vessels established the foundation for China's bronze vessel tradition and coincided with the emergence of the region's first state-level society.