Legacy forged in bronze
Modern appreciation is growing for the role the metal has sculpted since ancient China, Wang Qian reports.
"The wares represent an important chapter in Chinese history," the 29-year-old says.
"This chapter is a treasure waiting to be discovered. Making it accessible to the public can help revive it and diversify its aesthetics."
He began to illustrate ancient bronze works last year using his knowledge to create new visualizations of the ancient wisdom that the pieces volunteer.
Zhang is working toward a master's in archaeology and museology at Renmin University in Beijing.
He earned his bachelor's in game design at the Communication University of China in the capital.
Studying these two disciplines inspired him to combine cartoons with archeology.
He typically sketches the outline of the vague animal pattern seen in a photo of a piece and explains it in simple language.
"Monster masks" are one of the most common patterns from the Shang and Zhou dynasties (c. 11th century-256 BC).
