Pictorial Compendium of the Three Talents: Implements and Tools, Volume 1

Page 2

This table functions as a finding aid for the detailed illustrations that follow in the volume. The "Three Talents" (Sancai) mentioned in the title refer to the triad of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity, suggesting that these tools are the essential instruments through which humans interact with the natural and divine worlds.

Warming Pot

original: "Wenhu" (溫壺). A vessel designed to keep liquids, typically wine or tea, at a constant warm temperature during rituals or social gatherings.

Lamp-stand

original: "Deng" (鐙). This term refers to a pedestal lamp. In ancient contexts, it often described a vessel shaped like a "Dou" (stemmed bowl) used to hold oil and a wick for lighting.

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The Kui-Stem Cauldron

original: "Kui Ding" (癸鼎). A ritual bronze cauldron (Ding) distinguished by an inscription or dedication involving "Kui," the tenth of the Heavenly Stems. These vessels were central to ancestral offerings.

Mother-of-Pearl Basin

original: "Yao Pan" (珧盤). A decorative or ritual basin inlaid with or carved from the shells of the pearl oyster. Such items represented high status and were valued for their iridescent shimmer.

The following vocabulary highlights the primary categories of utensils presented:

• Pictorial Compendium of the Three Talents original: "Sancai Tuhui" (三才圖會). A famous Ming Dynasty encyclopedia compiled by Wang Qi and his son Wang Siyi, covering everything from astronomy to biology and daily tools.
• Implements and Tools original: "Qiyong" (器用). This section of the encyclopedia focuses on the "useful things" of the world, ranging from ancient ritual bronzes to contemporary Ming household items.
• Water Ladle original: "Shuidou" (水斗). A handled cup used for dipping water.
• Water Pourer original: "Yi" (匜). A vessel shaped like a teapot but without a lid, used for pouring water to wash hands during rituals.