Minneapolis Institute of Art

Liding food vessel

China

Date

12th-11th century BCE

Medium

Bronze

Department

Asian Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

The vessel originated as a coarse pottery cooking pot in the late Neolithic period (c. 3000–2000 bce), used mainly for preparing porridge. Its distinctive form featured three hollow pointed legs that extended from the body, allowing heat to circulate efficiently. Over time, its function shifted from cooking to holding cooked meat. Here, taotie (composite animal) masks are set against a ground of squared spirals. This hybrid form, combining features of both li and ding vessels, is known as a li-ding. China, Asia

The authoritative record is held by Minneapolis Institute of Art. LinkedCulture surfaces this object and its connections; it does not alter institutional metadata.