Sancai Tuhui (Vol. 43)

...distinctions. The use of ox, sheep, pig, fish, dried meat, intestines, stomach, skin, fresh fish, and fresh dried meat all differ [according to the specific vessel].

However, the forms and structures of the tripods through the various dynasties are not uniform.

Some have the Taotie a common gluttonous monster mask motif on the belly, interspersed with Thunder Patterns original: leiwen (雷紋), a geometric spiral symbolizing life-giving rain; the Father Yi Tripod and Father Gui Tripod are of this kind.

Some have a refined color like gold with decorations that are simple and beautiful; the Xin Tripod and Gui Tripod are of this kind.

Some have green-patinated decorations of swirling flowers that are strangely ancient and lovely; the Pictographic Tripod vessels featuring early script characters resembling the objects they represent and the Horizontal Dagger-Axe Father Gui Tripod are of this kind.

Some are densely covered in flowery clouds or made to resemble the rapid movement of clouds and thunder; the Jin Jiang Tripod and the Cloud-Thunder Tripod are of this kind.

Some have faint Taotie masks interspersed with the Kuilong a mythical one-legged dragon or feature "fine nipples" small, raised circular bosses common on bronze surfaces; the Yahu Father Ding Tripod, the King Wen Tripod, and the Wang Bo Tripod are of this kind.

Or, like the Meng Tripod with its wide-flaring mouth, the Zhong Tripod which has no decoration, the Bo Shuo Tripod and the Shi Xu Tripod which are exceptionally large, or the gold-and-silver inlaid Nai originally a term for a very large tripod, but here referring to a specific miniature version which are exceptionally small.

Some are square-shaped like the Fu a rectangular vessel for holding grain, or have divided bases like the Li a tripod with hollow, pouch-like legs used for boiling, or are equipped with lids like the Dui a spherical vessel used for food offerings.

Generally, the intentions of the ancients were all based on established standards and scales; they were not created merely for the sake of aesthetic beauty.