Research On The Standardization Of Bronze Casting During Pre-Qin Period

This research is mainly on the standardization of bronze ware casting during the pre-Qin period. In the discussion, the origin of the bronze casting standard is probed into based on a brief research of the origin and evolution of prehistoric standardization process. While the bronze casting standardization is explored in several process phase according to the law of development of bronze technology. Finally, a preliminary studying on the role of bronze casting standardization, which was played in the unity of the Qin Empire in 221 B.C., is given on the basis of estimate for the level of standardization development during the pre-Qin period.Having analyzed the historical literature and archaeological data, the author holds:that stone tools and pottery making standardization provided the source of bronze casting one; the evolution of bronze casting standardization can be divided into four stages:(1)standards began to appear, (2) standard system formed, (3)standard system matured, and (4)standard system improved and innovated; bronze casting standards recorded in Kaogongji involve basic standards (including the casting technological language standards and data standards), product standards and process standards; bronze casting standardization had played a significant role in the processes of forming the historical conditions and booming of the Qin Kingdom, as a result, these internal and external factors led to the unification of Qin.