在铸作初成之际，中国古代青铜器的表面多呈现灿若黄金的金属色泽，十分引人瞩目。经历数十年的使用之后，青铜器表面逐渐形成氧化层，色泽会稍稍改变。

When they were first cast, the surface of ancient Chinese bronzes presented a brilliantmetallic luster akin to gold, attracting considerable attention.After decades of use, an oxidation layer gradually formed on the surface of the bronzes, slightly altering their color.

尤其其中具有实用功能的部分器物，一定程度上应用于礼仪性炊煮、宴饮、奏乐、出行等各种场合之后，表面会留下各类使用痕迹。

Particularly those with practical functions, used in various ceremonial cooking, banquetingmusic, and travel occasions, would bear marks of use.

多数青铜器都会被埋入地下的墓葬或窖穴。在其后数千年间，土壤环境中的复杂元素与青铜器长期接触并发生化学反应，表面形成灰、绿、蓝、赤、黑等各种色泽的氧化物，最终成为我们所说的青铜器。

Most bronzes were eventuallyburied in tombs or cellars, where, over thousands of years, complex elements in soilchemically interacted with the bronzes, forming oxides in shades of gray, green, blue, redand black, ultimately becoming the bronze we known today.

责编：勾晓庆