Da Ke Ding (Large Ke Tripod)
One of the most important inscribed bronze vessels of the Western Zhou Dynasty, bearing 290 characters that document a key moment in Chinese feudal history.
The Story
The Da Ke Ding is a monumental bronze tripod cast during the Western Zhou Dynasty, approximately 3,000 years ago. Its interior bears an inscription of 290 characters — one of the longest and most historically significant bronze inscriptions known — recording the deeds of a nobleman named Ke and the royal grants he received. The vessel survived millennia of turmoil. In the late Qing Dynasty, it was acquired by the Pan family of Suzhou, who buried it during the Taiping Rebellion and later hid it during the Japanese invasion. Three generations of the Pan family protected this national treasure at great personal risk before donating it to the Shanghai Museum in 1951.
Why It Matters
Its inscription is a primary historical source for understanding Western Zhou political structure, and the vessel's survival story embodies Chinese dedication to cultural preservation.
Fun Facts
The Pan family protected it for over 80 years through war, rebellion, and occupation
Its 290-character inscription is one of the longest ever found on a bronze vessel
The Pan family buried it underground TWICE to protect it from invaders
It was voluntarily donated to the Shanghai Museum in 1951
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