The cauldron, circular in form, features two upright handles on its rim and a tripartite belly supported by three cylindrical legs. The neck is embellished with intricate hooked cloud patterns, while the belly, segmented by the three legs, is adorned with three groups of beast masks set against a background of thunder patterns. These beast masks are flanked by inverted Kui motifs. Inside the cauldron, the character "Xi" is cast, likely serving as the insignia of the ancient Xi state.

The Xi state, one of the southern Fang kingdoms of the Shang dynasty, was a pivotal region where the Central Plain culture intersected with Southern culture. During the reign of King Wuding of the Shang dynasty, the Shang and Xi states maintained a close, even marital, relationship. Consequently, this cauldron holds immense significance for the study of bronze casting techniques, artistic styles, and the history of the late Shang dynasty.