This Bronze Jian, 15.3cm in height and 40.5cm in diameter, has flat and thin rims. It is from the Warring States Period.

Jian is the ancient bronze utensil containing water or ice. The body is generally large like a basin. It could be with feet or without, and usually has two or four handles. Most Jian are round in shape, but there are also square ones. Jian was originally made of pottery, and it was until the middle of the Spring and Autumn Period that bronze Jian appeared, and became popular in the Warring States Period.

Bronze Jian is basically used for holding water, holding ice, or as a mirror. This big Bronze Jian, moderate in size, is exactly the vessel used for holding water to reflect appearance. Bronze Jian, demonstrating the culture exchange and development of north and south China, enjoys great significance in the research of archaeology and history.