In Chinese culture, therefore, the ding is used as an implicit symbolism of power. They were traditionally used for cooking, storing and for ritual offerings to either gods or ancestors in family temple ceremonies.Īs their purpose changed from religious to secular in the Zhou dynasty (1046-256BCE), the ding began to represent power and status and the possession of one or more ancient dings is often associated with power and dominion over the land.Īn emperor would be entitled to the greatest number of ding and could be buried with nine, whilst a scholar-bureaucrat would be entitled to three or one. The fang ding is a sacrifical vessel that is the most highly regarded of all Chinese bronzes.Ĭonsidered in Chinese culture as the the most highly regarded of all Chinese bronzes, the fang ding are ancient rectangular cauldrons standing on four legs and with two facing handles. A collar to the upper section of each leg decorated with kui and leiwen and with a flange to the outside edge. A loop handle to each end and flanges to each corner and side, the ding is cast in relief on all four sides with a ‘taotie' mask, with a background of ‘leiwen’, the thunder motif depicted by juxtaposed square spirals.Ībove each taotie mask there are depicted ‘kui’, a Chinese dragon symbol of good fortune and royalty. ![]() Rectangular in shape and upon four cylindrical legs. Chinese bronze fang ding or sacrificial vessel.
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