In the Bronze Age, wine made from grain was warmed and served in long-legged vessels that could be placed directly over a low fire. Elaborately decorated bronze containers were used as ritual banquets to prepare and serve wine and food to honored ancestors. Smaller vessels, called jue and jiao, such as this one, held individual servings of wine, while larger jia heated greater amounts. Decorative knobs at the top of larger vessels, along with a handle, were likely employed to lift and pour the heavy, hot containers. Lidded jars kept the wine warm.
