Page 30 - Deydier UNDERSTANDING CHINESE ARCHAIC BRONZES

respect for rank, rules of proper conduct or Li 禮 dictated that in
funeral rites nine ding 鼎 were to be used for a king only, while seven
were allowed for a prince, and five ding 鼎 were allowed for a high
official, with each ding 鼎 vessel being used to cook a different kind of
meat or fish.

During the Spring and Autumn 春秋 and Warring States 戰國 periods
(circa 770 – 221 B.C.), ding 鼎 sometimes have covers decorated with
small animals or birds in the round, and handles fixed on the outer
walls of their bodies, and sometimes curved legs in the form of stylized
animals.

Dou 豆

This hemispherical cup supported by a high flared foot, was used to
hold and display food offerings during ritual banquets. The vessel’s
cover, when turned upside-down, serves as a second food receptacle
with its own legs.

Known in pottery since the Longshan cultural 龍山文化 period (3000 -
2000 B.C.) of the neolithic period and discovered in white pottery at

Dou, Late Spring and Autumn period (circa 6 – 5 centuries B.C.)
th
th
Height: 17.5 cm – Meiyintang Collection n° 113.
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