【双语】你好！中国 | 鼎：青铜文明的璀璨瑰宝

青铜鼎，是由红铜和锡等金属铸造而成的一种炊器，是古代一些地方用以烹煮肉和盛贮肉类的器具。青铜器则是以青铜为材料，采用一种非常特殊的工艺（今人称之为青铜铸造工艺）制作出来的器物，它是古代灿烂文明的载体之一。“鼎”被后世认为是所有青铜器中最能代表至高无上权力的器物。

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.

鼎是古代文明体制的核心，商周社会以严格反映等级制度的规章仪式，即所谓"礼"来维护政治、经济权力，而祭祀则是沟通人、神，使人间秩序神圣化的中心环节。

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.

青铜器在祭器中占据了很大份额，是贵族宗室内部族长和作为天下"共主"的天子主持祭祀必备的礼器。此外，青铜器的制作和赠与也与商、周时代贵族间婚媾、宴享、朝拜、会盟和铭功颂德等礼制活动紧密相关。

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.

责编：李一珊