Bronze Jian and Fou - Decomposition Chart

Jian is a water container. Fou is a wine vessel. In the early Warring States Period, distilled liquor was yet to be invented. To prevent brewed wine from going bad, people would put ice in Jian and place a wine-filled Fou in the Jian. Both Jian and Fou are square and decorated with dragon patterns. To fix the Jian to the Fou, three hooks were made on the bottome of the Jian to be connected to the three holes on the Fou.

Usually, a filter would also be used to eliminate the sediment. Two sets of Jian and Fou have been discovered from the Zeng Hou Yi Mausoleum. They were used with this filter that was found beside. For each set, there was also a ladle to use with. The ladle was found placed on the lid of the Fou.