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Finding the whole in the fragments

Travel 19:07, 09-Nov-2026

CGTN

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Reassembled pottery vessels show varied profiles, while closer views reveal rough surfaces, joining lines and the contrast between surviving fragments and lighter infilled areas. /CGTN

Two views of a shallow bronze vessel reveal its patterned interior, uneven green surface and broken rim. /CGTN

A bronze vessel reveals projecting animal heads and patterned surfaces, with an irregular broken neck visible in the wider view. /CGTN

Reassembled pottery vessels show varied profiles, while closer views reveal rough surfaces, joining lines and the contrast between surviving fragments and lighter infilled areas. /CGTN

Two views of a shallow bronze vessel reveal its patterned interior, uneven green surface and broken rim. /CGTN

A bronze vessel reveals projecting animal heads and patterned surfaces, with an irregular broken neck visible in the wider view. /CGTN

A vessel's shape becomes easier to read when its surviving pieces are brought together. In these Sanxingdui displays, reassembled pottery vessels show varied profiles, with joining lines and lighter infilled areas still visible. Wider views of bronze vessels reveal their forms, while close-ups draw attention to animal-head decorations, patterned interiors and damaged rims. The photographs invite us to look between the object and its details, noticing both ancient craftsmanship and the traces of what survives.