论西周青铜器与铭文的文化功能

Cultural Functions of the Bronzeware and Inscriptions of the Western Zhou Dynasty

西周青铜器是礼乐制度的产物,因此它的形制、纹饰乃至排列组合都昭示着既定的礼乐制度,所谓"器以藏礼"指的就是青铜器能从各方面展示出礼乐规范的重要功能,"铸鼎象物"无疑就是"铸鼎显礼""铸器以显礼"。天子铸器以沟通天地、承接天命,而公侯大夫铸器无疑也是通过祭祀向祖先祈福,以保佑后世子孙,其背后的意义同样也起着展示权力、规范秩序的重要功能。青铜器是西周制礼作乐的载体,青铜制度往往就是礼乐制度,青铜观念往往就代表着礼乐观念。

The bronzeware of the Western Zhou Dynasty was a product of the ritual system, so its shape, decoration and arrangement are symbols of the established ritual system. The so-called ＂embodiment of rituals by bronzeware＂ means that the bronzeware could perform important ritual functions from all aspects. Making cauldrons was undoubtedly intended to show rituals. The emperors cast bronzeware to communicate with Heaven and Earth and receive divine decrees; and the dukes and ministers did so to pray happiness for future generations by offering sacrifices to their ancestors. Their actions could also be regarded as a display of power and regulation of order. Bronzeware was the cartier of ritual music of the Western Zhou; the system ofbronzeware often stood for the ritual system; and the bronze concepts also represented ritual concepts.