Definitions
cover of tripod kettle
Etymology
About
鼏 denotes a specific object from ancient Chinese material culture: the lid of a tripod cauldron. The character is built from 鼎, a bronze vessel used for ritual and cooking, and an upper component that depicts a covering, a lid, cloth, or protective layer, placed over the vessel. This top element serves both as a visual indicator of a cover and as a phonetic cue. The character thus refers to the cover that seals such a tripod, its structure stacking the lid directly above the cauldron to mirror the physical arrangement.
Etymology Hide
Report an issue
Flag incorrect definitions, examples, etymology, etc.