Chu bronze tripod: An important sacrificial vessel through history

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The use of tripods as sacrificial altars has long been a part of Chinese tradition. Bronze tripods were used in ancient China, often referred to as "dings."

One of the most important examples of these items comes from the Warring States Period more than 2,000 years ago in what used to be the State of Chu.

Chu culture had been a mature tradition in southern China during the Eastern Zhou to the Qin dynasties. At the center of that culture was the bronze tripod, which was used during important rituals.

"Tripods were very important sacrificial vessels during the bronze age," says Xu Dazhen, Director of the Storage Department of Anhui Provincial Museum. "Even today, they are still used for celebrating big events, like the commemoration of the return of Hong Kong and Macao. The vessel represents power and unity in Chinese culture, as well as hope and prays for the stability of the country."

Chu bronze tripod. / Handout photo from Anhui Provincial Museum

Known for its large size and the complexity with which it was made, a 400-kilogram bronze tripod is the biggest of its kind that's been found so far. It took a lot of money and manpower to make the tripod.

Inscriptions on bronzeware were important symbols during those times. There are complicated designs carved on the legs and the rim. The characters of "An Bang," or stabilizing the country, are seen as particularly of great archaeological value.

On the rim of the tripod, there are 12 other characters.

To date, only the first two have been confirmed as "Zhu Ke," or foundrymen, a special group of people at that time.

The Chu Tripod was excavated by tomb robbers in the 1930s in Shouxian county, the capital of the late Chu State. In the decade that followed, wars came to China. The tripod was damaged as it was moved around the country. Now it's finally back in Anhui Province.