The Da Ke Ding

The Da Ke Ding, the crown jewel of the Shanghai Museum, is one of the most famous bronze vessels in Chinese history. Together with the Da Yu Ding and the Mao Gong Ding, these three unrivaled treasures represent the pinnacle of late Western Zhou bronze art.

As a ritual vessel, the ding symbolized power and social hierarchy. The Da Ke Ding is imposing and solemn in form, with a commanding physical presence—standing 93.1 cm tall and weighing 201.5 kg. Its sculptural language is distinctive: the area below the rim is adorned with animal mask motifs evolved from jade designs, while the belly features a primary decorative band of broad, flowing wave patterns. These motifs are not mere surface engraving but are cast using precise relief techniques. The lines are robust and fluid, creating a rhythmic and tense three-dimensional effect on the massive vessel walls, demonstrating a mature mastery of space and volume in sculpture.

The fusion of sculpture and text is another core value of this ding. Its inner wall is cast with an inscription of 28 lines containing 290 characters. These characters hold significant calligraphic value, and their existence within the three-dimensional space is an integral part of the sculpture's whole—the arrangement, depth, and casting technique of the inscription collectively form the vessel's intrinsic spiritual space.

Its legendary history adds a layer of humanistic depth. Unearthed in the late Qing Dynasty, the Da Ke Ding survived periods of war and was safeguarded by Madam Pan Dayu, who made the monumental decision to donate it to the state. Transforming from an aristocratic ritual object to a national treasure, it has itself become a monument embodying history, craftsmanship, and the spirit of guardianship.