青銅鼎，是由紅銅和錫等金屬鑄造而成的一種炊器，是古代一些地方用以烹煮肉和盛貯肉類的器具。青銅器則是以青銅為材料，采用一種非常特殊的工藝（今人稱之為青銅鑄造工藝）制作出來的器物，它是古代燦爛文明的載體之一?！岸Α北缓笫勒J(rèn)為是所有青銅器中最能代表至高無上權(quán)力的器物。

The bronze ding is a type of cooking vessel cast from copper, tin, and other metals, traditionally used in ancient China for boiling and storing meat. Bronze vessels, crafted with highly sophisticated casting techniques, were not only functional but also served as important carriers of Chinese civilization. Among these artifacts, the ding is widely regarded as the ultimate symbol of authority.

鼎是古代文明體制的核心，商周社會以嚴(yán)格反映等級制度的規(guī)章儀式，即所謂"禮"來維護(hù)政治、經(jīng)濟(jì)權(quán)力，而祭祀則是溝通人、神，使人間秩序神圣化的中心環(huán)節(jié)。

The ding played a central role in ancient society. During the Shang and Zhou dynasties, strict ceremonial rules—known as li—reflected social hierarchy and reinforced political and economic power. Ritual offerings were the primary means of communication between humans and deities, affirming the social order.

青銅器在祭器中占據(jù)了很大份額，是貴族宗室內(nèi)部族長和作為天下"共主"的天子主持祭祀必備的禮器。此外，青銅器的制作和贈與也與商、周時代貴族間婚媾、宴享、朝拜、會盟和銘功頌德等禮制活動緊密相關(guān)。

Bronze vessels were indispensable in ceremonial life for both the heads of noble clans and the Son of Heaven—the supreme ruler of all under heaven. Their production, use, and gifting were closely linked to aristocratic rituals such as marriage alliances, feasts, court visits, political assemblies, and the commemoration of achievements throughout the Shang and Zhou periods.

責(zé)編：李一珊