Lai Ding in the 12th year of Western Zhou Dynasty

Era: Late Western Zhou Dynasty
Specifications: 2003MYD: 001 Height 51 cm, diameter 43.5 cm, weight 35.5 kg
Excavation site: Yangjia Village, Mei County
Historical value: There are two pieces of 42-year-old tripods, with the same decorations and inscriptions, but different in size. Tripods have been used since the Xia Dynasty and have been used until the Han and Wei Dynasties. They are mainly used for sacrifices and banquets, and as cooking utensils for cooking meat. According to legend, after Dayu pacified the flood, he cast nine tripods to symbolize the Nine Provinces. The nine tripods then became a national treasure and a symbol of royal power.

The inscription cast in the vessel has 25 lines and 281 characters, which records that in the 42nd year of King Xuan of Zhou (786 BC), Si Gong San Dao led Yu into the middle gate, stood in the middle courtyard, and faced north to accept the mandate. The king said: Yu, my illustrious and noble King Wen and King Wu, received the great mandate from the emperor and bless the princes and countries in all directions. In the past, your ancestors assisted the previous king and worked hard. Therefore, I have not alienated or forgotten the descendants of the saints. You should follow the example of your ancestors and help me attack the Rongdi. You did not slack off in the war. You completely defeated the Rongdi in Gonggu, captured prisoners, seized weapons and chariots. You were diligent in the war and the battle went smoothly. I personally rewarded you with a pot of black millet wine and land. "Nu bowed his head and accepted the emperor's order. He was grateful for the reward and made this tripod to commemorate his ancestors with literary virtues. The inscription detailed the fact that the King of Zhou ordered Nu to assist his eldest father, conquered the Rongdi, and was canonized and rewarded by the Zhou royal family. The time, place, reason and reward of Nu's canonization were recorded very clearly.