Ritual Cauldron

anonymous

c. -1200 - c. -1000

antimony, lead (metal)

Rijksmuseum

A three-legged, lidded ritual cauldron with two handles and decorative bands around the rim and body. The surface shows texture and some wear. This cauldron was used for libations of wine during ritual offerings. It is known as jia. Ancient Chinese bronzes were made of alloys of copper and tin, and sometimes also lead. These materials were heated into a molten mass and subsequently cast in the desired form in ceramic moulds.