Ritual vessel (ding)

The lid and body of the squat, short-legged ding (B60B65) display four bands of a decoration similar to the proto Liyu yi we have just discussed. Here, however, and especially in the inner band on the cover, the animal shapes can be safely described as those of dragons. The circle on the top of the lid contains two scaled dragons in relief which seem to be chasing one another. Shown in profile, they have striated trunks, pronounced tower jaws and two clawed feet similar to those of zygodactyles. In addition this lid supports four small crouching bovines in the round with elongated necks and large heavy heads. The short, flaring feet are plain, but the bulky handles are decorated in parts with bands of diminutive dragons whose bodies are reduced to geometric abstractions.