The Origin and Evolution of Flange
A flange can be an external or internal edge, or brim, used for potency, as the projection of an iron beam like an I-beam or may be a T-beam used for connection to a different object, as the flange on the ending of a tube, steam container. Notably, the flanges originated from China during the Bronze Age and since then, they have evolved through various remarkable stages. Robert Bagley explains how the flanges played a major role in decoration of the bronze metals during those days. Additionally, a flange can also be a plate, as well as, a loop to structure a rim at the end of a tube whilst fixed firmly to the tube. The common flanges used in plumbing are the danzey and Sussex flanges.
This paper tackles the origin and evolution of flange. Additionally, it agrees with Bagley and explains why his arguments were correct.
Origin and evolution of the flange
Flanges originated from China during the Bronze Age. During this period, bronze was the most important mineral in China and had diversified uses. The flanges initial usage was for the decoration of the bronze medals for trading. However, they have evolved and today people use them for different purposes. Notably, plumbers use flanges as plates and rings to form rims at the endings of the tubes or the pipes when attached to the others (Bagley, 1990).
Role of flanges in bronze decoration according to Bagley
According to Bagley, flanges played major roles in the decorations of the bronze in China. Bagley states, “Flanges also act to give the illusion of corners on a circular body, allowing the viewers eyes to flatten the body.” Regarding that, the flanges covered the failures on the flanges making them to be more appealing to the viewer’s eyes. This implies that the role of flanges in the bronze decoration was to change the shapes of the bronze medals to be more appealing to the viewers. This essay agrees with Bagley’s statement since it has clearly been indicated that the flanges were used to cover the faults on the bronze by changing their shapes. Secondly, I second Bagley’s assertion regarding the role of flanges since he indicates that heavy vertical flanges and plain horizontal strips were employed in bounding of the compartments (Bagley, 1990). Lastly, research also opines that flanges played a critical role in bronze decoration as they are heavy and were deeply notched alongside the cornicelike overhanging rim to facilitate architectural mass and stability, which corresponds Bagley’s assertion.
Relationship between shape, decoration and technique in Shang bronze working
In the Shang bronze working, flanges were ideal in shaping of the bronze and decorating them at large. The main relationship about the three in Shang bronze working is that decoration itself constituted of shaping the bronze medal. Initially, maybe the bronze were not appealing on their looks and this is the reason why they had to apply flange use to shape them.
In conclusion, flanges played major role in the decoration of bronze during that period. Flanges originated from China and had critical role of decorating bronze vessels. Bagley’s assertions regarding the role of flanges are true since evidence abounds that they were used for facilitating architectural mass and stability amongst other reasons. The plumbers use the flanges in different ways unlike the earlier use for decorations. Notably, plumbers use flanges as plates and rings to form rims at the endings of the tubes or the pipes when attached to the others. Additionally, there are different types of flanges used, which are Sussex and York flange.
