The focus of this teacher's packet is the bronze vessels made for the kings and great families of the early Chinese dynasties between 1700 B.C. and 200 A.D. The materials in the guide are intended for use by teachers and students visiting the exhibition, "The Arts of China," at the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. The packet, however, is also designed to be used independent of the exhibition and by those not visiting the museum. Using ancient Chinese bronzes as examples, these materials address the relationship between art history and archeology, and two major themes: objects as historical documents and artistic choices. The packet contains the following sections: map, background information for teachers, pre-visit activities for students, looking at slides, gallery activities, post-visit activities, selected bibliography, selected films and videos, glossary and pronunciation guide, and chronology. (DB)