Journal cover Journal topic
Proceedings of the ICA
Journal topic
Articles | Volume 4
https://doi.org/10.5194/ica-proc-4-52-2021
https://doi.org/10.5194/ica-proc-4-52-2021
03 Dec 2021
 | 03 Dec 2021

Maps hiding in plain sight

Bruce Jones, Anthony Cavell, Michael Clarke, and Robert Pratt

Keywords: bronze ritual vessels, symbols, decode, land grant, Western Zhou

Abstract. Early Chinese elites were defined by their aristocratic control of land. That control came directly from the emperor and was documented on bronze ritual vessels, which were handed down from generation to generation. The land grant boundaries were defined using decorative symbols inscribed on bronze, and Western Zhou vessels containing these symbols were used to resolve land disputes. Methodical analysis comparing the inscriptions and symbols, combined with an understanding of early Chinese cartography and etymology, allows the bronze vessel land grants to be decoded.

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