Treasures from the Bronze Age of China An Exhibition from the People's Republic of China

Reviewers highly commend this book for its exceptional focus on ancient Chinese bronzes, particularly those from the Shang Dynasty and Western Han era, describing the featured artworks as extraordinary and gorgeous. The accompanying text, written by Met Museum art historians, is consistently praised as first-rate and superior to commentary found in many other art books, offering insightful and authoritative art-history analysis. The content is considered a valuable historical record, capturing the essence of a significant exhibition.

The main criticism directed at the book concerns its visual presentation. Reviewers note that the color printing and reproduction quality are not up to modern standards, a common limitation given that the book was originally published in 1980. This aspect is described as adequate-plus, but not outstanding.

Overall, despite the dated color reproduction, the book is considered a highly valuable resource due to its exceptional content and authoritative historical commentary. It is most highly recommended for enthusiasts of ancient Chinese bronzes, art history aficionados, and those interested in the cultural exchange surrounding China's reopening to the West in the late 20th century, as it documents a historically significant exhibition.