Shanxi province's bronze culture has a long history of exquisite workmanship and a unique style that spread across the whole province, but, during the Shang Dynasty (c.16th century-11th century BC) was mainly located in Yuanqu and Pinglu, in southern Shanxi; Xinzhou, Jiexiu, and Lingshi in the middle parts; and Shilou and Paode in the west. Originally it had a plain style and tribal characteristics.
Its bronze ware during the Western Zhou Dynasty (c.11th century-771 BC) has only been found in the south of the province, especially at Jinhou, in the Tianma-Qucun historical site, with valuable exquisite workmanship. The bronze ware of Jin country, from the Eastern Zhou Dynasty (770-256BC) was mainly found near Taiyuan, Hunyuan, Xinjiang, and Changzhi. Some cast copper pottery molds have been discovered in Houma with artistic and scientific value. The bronze ware of the Han Dynasty (206BC-220) was mainly discovered in Taiyuan and Yanbei and represents the grassland culture.
