The Qiqi (Chinese: 欹器 or tilting vessel) was an ancient Chinese ceremonial utensil that tilted when empty, stood upright when half-full, and tipped over when full, symbolizing moderation and caution.

In the Confucius Museum in the city of Qufu, east China's Shandong Province, there is a valuable painting from the Ming Dynasty depicting a famous anecdote by Confucius. When the philosopher first saw the tilting vessel, he told his disciples "the way of maintaining complete fullness is to reduce by ladling out": "Brilliant intelligence and sage-like knowledge should be guarded by the appearance of stupidity; meritorious achievements covering the whole empire should be guarded by an attitude of deference; courageous power comforting the age should be guarded by fear; and riches encompassing all within the four seas should be guarded by frugality. This is what is called the way of 'drawing off and reducing.'"