Khan Academy: Ritual Vessel (Fangyi)

Fangyi is a type of bronze vessel used by the Shang dynasty (approx. 1600-1050 BCE) in ritual ceremonies. The vessel is a small rectangular box used for holding wine ("fang" means square). Such vessels were in use from the Shang through the middle of the Western Zhou dynasty (approx. 1050-771 BCE). Fangyi were also used in ritual offerings. Shang kings made sacrifices to the ancestors to sustain good fortune and avert evil. Fangyi have been found in the tomb of Fu Hao indicating that they were in use during the late Shang period at Anyang.