Spring and Autumn Period（770-476B.C.）
Unearthed at Xichuan,Henan
Height: 62cm
Mouth diameter: 62cm

Ding, food container, often comes with spoon. The spoon has a long handle and a sharp tip, and is used for picking meat out of the food vessel.

Prince Wu was the son of King Zhuang of the Chu state. The inscription in the lid and on the inside of the vessel consists of 83 characters, and says that "Prince Wu casts this food vessel for offering sacrifices to our ancestor and for swearing ceremonies of forming alliance. Because of my benevolent rule, I am loved and respected by all the peopleof the Chu State. It is hoped that the later generations will regard this as the standard of their conduct and behaviour."