Definitions
earthen pot, iron cauldron
Etymology
Pictograph of an ancient ceramic three-legged vessel used for cooking.
About
The character "鬲" originated as a pictogram representing an ancient tripod cauldron with distinctive hollow legs, used for cooking or heating. Its modern form abstracts the vessel's shape, featuring a wide upper section and stylized leg elements. Initially denoting this specific type of pottery or bronze ware, the term's application broadened in classical texts to refer to similar vessels and was also employed as a surname. Over time, while the character's form became more standardized, its core meaning evolved from a concrete object to a component in historical and archaeological terminology.
Etymology Hide
