‘DING’ TRIPOD FOR OFFERINGS

Description Ritual vessel (usually made of bronze, although there are knwon specimen made of terracotta) used for cooking and the ceremonial offering of meat. The body has the open shape of a deep basin, resting on three feet. The tripod has a sober and simple decoration, reflecting a taste typical of the mid-9th century BCE. The body tends towards a triangular shape, with the corners corresponding to the vase's feet. The feet are almost cylindrical, slightly flattened on the inside and with a flat support. The vertical loops are placed directly on the rim, which protrudes by about a centimeter. A single, rather flat, decorative band in relief occupies the upper half of the ding below the hem: a sequence of six stylised dragons in the shape of a reclining “S”, each inscribed in a box, are faced symmetrically in pairs.