Ding is the representative of the Chinese bronze wares. Bronze Ding has been first seen in the Xia Dynasty and flourished in the following Shang and Zhou dynasties. This Bronze Square Ding with Animal Facial Pattern was made in the Western Zhou Dynasty. It has double prick ears, a rectangular belly and four pole stands. The upper part of the pole stands and the belly are decorated with animal facial patterns, which were widely used on the surface of bronze wares at that time. Such decoration was created by people, basing on the prototypical imagination of tiger, ox and sheep. Ding was originally used as a vessel for cooking and holding meat.While in the Shang and Zhou dynasties, the bronze Ding gradually evolved into a symbol of power and status.For example, based on different social status, the number of Dings and Guis was stipulated in the Rites of Zhou; namely, the king had the authority to use nine dings, feudal princes used seven dings, officials used five dings, and scholars used three or one ding. This strict rule should not be violated among all classes.This Bronze Square Ding with Animal Facial Pattern is definitely one of the most valued bronze Dings in the early Western Zhou Dynasty for its fine craft and exquisite decoration.