Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms: Implements and Utensils, Volume 1
Page 13

The Hu Jar

The Rites of Zhou original: Zhou Li, a classic text detailing the bureaucracy and ritual requirements of the Zhou dynasty states that the hu vessel Hu: A jar-shaped vessel used for holding wine or water, fundamental to ancient Chinese ritual ceremonies has a capacity of one hu hu: A traditional dry measure, often translated as a "bushel"; in the Zhou era, it was a significant volume for ritual offerings. The diameter of the mouth is one chi chi: A Chinese foot; during the Zhou dynasty, this was roughly 23 centimeters. The base stands two cun cun: A Chinese inch high and has a diameter of one chi. Generally, those vessels intended for pouring are embellished with painted decorations.

[Woodcut illustration of a ritual bronze jar (hu). It features a robust, rounded body with a wide neck and a fitted lid topped with a decorative finial. A large, arched "swing" handle is attached to the neck. The body is adorned with intricate horizontal bands of stylized zoomorphic patterns typical of the late Shang or early Zhou dynasties.]

The measurements provided here are highly idealized, reflecting the Ming dynasty's fascination with the "System of Rites" described in ancient texts. In practice, surviving bronze jars from antiquity vary significantly in size, but scholars used these classical dimensions to categorize and understand the symbolic importance of the objects.

Vocabulary Reference:

Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms: Sancai Tuhui The title of this encyclopedia, referencing the three realms of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity
The Hu Jar: A vessel used for wine or water.
Rites of Zhou: An ancient text on ritual systems.
Bushel: A unit of volume measure.
Pouring: The act of serving wine during a ceremony.