Xu Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Metal (jīn) Ding Kangxi Dictionary strokes: 16 Page 1311, Entry 01 Pronounced ding (falling tone). According to the Shuowen Jiezi (Explaining Single-component Characters and Analyzing Compound Characters): A lamp. According to the Guangyun (Broad Rhymes): A vessel with legs for holding food is called a ding, while those without legs are called a deng. According to the Zhengzitong (Correction of Character Principles): A utensil used for holding cooked food, equipped with a tube for ventilation and a central tray for steaming. The base is designed to regulate the heat of water and fire; its function is similar to a yan (steaming vessel). According to the Bogutu (Illustrated Record of Antiquities): The Han dynasty rainbow-candle ding stands five inches and five-tenths tall, with a depth of four inches and five-tenths, a mouth diameter of three inches, and a capacity of four liters and eight deciliters. The inscription reads: Wang Family copper rainbow-candle ding, pair, each weighing twenty-two catties and four ounces, number one; a total of eighteen characters. From the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties through the Qin, artifacts generally did not record weight; however, this item specifies its weight, and the calligraphy resembles the inscription on a Han dynasty Wufeng stove, confirming it is indeed a Han artifact. The inscription refers to it as a rainbow-candle, signifying that its internal airflow circulates like a rainbow. This was originally a vessel for serving cooked food, though it is incomplete as the lid is missing. Regarding the Wang Family, the specific identity is unknown. Since it is labeled number one, it indicates that there were multiple such rainbow-candle vessels. Also pronounced dian (falling tone), with the same meaning. Also pronounced ding (falling tone), with the same meaning. Also, a type of metal similar to tin.