The Bronze Age possibly originated in China about 5500 years ago, with products including ritual vessels, weapons, decorative fittings, and tuned bells. The ancient founders used about 100 helmet-shaped pottery crucibles to cast the famous 875 kg Ssu-mu-wu food vessel. The fuel was charcoal, and the molding practice similar to that of today but using clay rather than sand. Lost-wax casting dates back about 2500 years and iron came into use during a 770-265 B.C. dynasty. Malleable (wrought) iron tools were also produced. The mold preparation method probably used for the Great Bell of Peking is illustrated, together with various dies, molds and castings. Particular objects cited include the 100-ton iron lion of Cangzhou, cast in 953 A.D., a 20-meter Buddha dating from 971 A.D., and a 5-meter iron figure exhibiting little corrosion after open air exposure for 1000 years. -- AATA