Ding cauldron of Shi-guan with string pattern, Western Han Dynasty, 206 B.C.E.-8 C.E.

Ding cauldron of Shi-guan with string pattern, Western Han Dynasty, 206 B.C.E.-8 C.E.

• Image Number: B1A000076N000000000PAB
• Dynasty: Western Han dynasty
• Category: Bronzes
• Function: Food utensil
• Material: Mineral/Metal/Bronze
• Description:
  The two ears of this piece are annular and the three feet are short. The string pattern on the belly is higher than that on the front piece. There is a small round cake on each of the three annular buttons on the lid. This is to ensure that when the lid is turned upside down, it can be placed stably and will not topple. 21 characters are inscribed horizontally along the lower edge of the mouth of the body: “□ (food) official copper tripod is one, containing a bucket, weighing eleven kilograms and eighty-two, made in May 23, and the 21st.”