The Ritual Cauldron

original: 鼎, "Ding." A monumental ritual bronze vessel, often with three or four legs, symbolizing power, stability, and the authority of the state in ancient China. These were used to cook or serve meat during ancestral sacrifices.

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 and were often commissioned to honor a specific forebear.

Mother-of-Pearl Basin

original: "Yao Pan" (珧盤). A decorative or ritual basin inlaid with or carved from the shells of mother-of-pearl, prized for its iridescent quality in courtly settings.