Sancai Tuhui (Vol. 43)

It is clear that the presence of the Chang wine Chàng: A highly aromatic ceremonial wine used to invoke spirits, often infused with turmeric. identifies this vessel as a You. The black millet Jù: A dark variety of grain used in ritual offerings. used for this wine is selected because it produces two grains within a single husk Pī: A double-grained husk of millet, seen as a sign of concentrated natural energy.; it is a product of "harmonious energy." As for the Chang wine itself, it draws upon this fragrance and its ability to permeate and flow smoothly, allowing this internal harmony to manifest outwardly.

The reason the You is considered "central" This refers to the "middle-tier" classification mentioned on the previous page, as well as the Confucian concept of the "Golden Mean" or Centrality. is solely because it embodies the "Energy of Central Harmony" original: 中和之氣 (zhōnghé zhī qì), the balanced state of the universe where all things are in their proper place. of Heaven and Earth; its significance is not merely found in the superficial details of its physical form or appearance.

Whenever these vessels were bestowed upon those with great merit or used to reward the virtuous, it was intended to ensure that the recipients did not lose the "Way of Perfect Centrality." In historical records, there are thirty You vessels from the Shang dynasty, twenty-two from the Zhou dynasty, and one from the Han dynasty. Their specific illustrations are detailed in the Illustrated Catalogue of Antiquities original: 博古圖 (Bógǔ Tú), the foundational Song dynasty catalog of ancient bronze vessels..