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General Discourse on the Zun and Yi Ritual Vessels

In the flourishing times of the Three Dynasties The Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties (c. 2070–256 BCE), considered the golden age of ritual propriety in Chinese history., the acts of pouring offerings and performing libations were commonly practiced during interactions between humans and the spirits. Therefore, the pouring of offerings was used to honor living humans and was likewise used to honor the spirits. The performing of libations was used to show ritual respect to the spirits and was likewise used to show respect to humans. Because of this, the Zun and Yi vessels Zun (尊) and Yi (彝) are general terms for ritual wine containers. In this context, they represent a hierarchy of sacrificial vessels., along with the vessel trays, were used in a specific sequence.

However, in the Rites of Zhou original: 周官 (Zhouguan). An ancient text detailing the bureaucracy and ceremonies of the Zhou Dynasty., the Official of the Coverings original: 冪人 (Miren). An official responsible for covering the ritual vessels to keep them pure. prioritizes the Yi vessel over the Zun. This is because while the Zun vessel is more inherently honorable in status, the Yi vessel is primary in the order of use. Furthermore, when the Minister of Rites original: 宗伯 (Zongbo). One of the highest-ranking officials in charge of religious and state ceremonies. speaks of their practical application, he also mentions the Yi first.

The Yi vessel is used for the libation The ritual pouring of wine or fragrant liquids onto the earth to summon or appease spirits.. Once the libation is finished, the Zun vessel is then used for the act of drinking. Whenever drinking occurs, there must be a continuation or a refilling, and this continuation relies entirely upon the supply within the Yi vessels. This is the meaning behind the line in the Classic of Poetry original: 詩 (Shi). Specifically referring to the 'Shijing'.: "When the Gong cup is empty, it is the shame of the Lei jar" This famous metaphor implies that if the smaller drinking cup (gong) is empty, it reflects poorly on the large storage vessel (lei/yi) that failed to provide enough wine..

Regarding the duties of the Superintendent of Zun and Yi Vessels, there are six types of Zun; the text specifies their total number and then lists their specific names. In the duties of the Director of Wine, there are eight types of Zun. The fact that the number is stated but the names are not suggests that these eight vessels serve to expand upon the count of the original six. As for the Yi vessel, it is essentially of one category, yet there are six specific Yi that act as counterparts to the six Great Zun.

Zun (尊): A category of ritual wine vessel, typically trumpet-shaped or animal-shaped, used to hold wine for offerings or consumption during ceremonies.

Yi (彝): A general term for sacrificial vessels, often referring to a specific box-like or grain-holding vessel used in the most solemn ancestral rites.

Ritual Sequence The text emphasizes that while some vessels have higher "social" rank, their importance in a ceremony is determined by the order in which they are poured.