Western Zhou Dynasty
Height: 24.2 cm; Mouth diameter: 21 cm; Base diameter: 18.5 cm
Unearthed during the Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty in Mei County, Shaanxi Province

The "Tianwang" Bronze Gui is a typical vessel of the early Western Zhou period. Cast on the inner base is an inscription of eight lines and seventy-eight characters, recording a grand ceremony held by King Wu of Zhou on the yihai (wood pig) day, during which the vessel's maker, Tianwang, assisted and supported King Wu in the sacrificial rites. Later, on the dingchou (fire ox) day, King Wu again conducted an appropriate sacrificial ceremony. Having been rewarded by the king, Tianwang cast this vessel to commemorate the king's favor.