Daoist Ritual Vessel with Design of the Eight Trigrams and Constellation Diagrams

This work features heavenly constellations, auspicious symbols, and the sun and moon, which are represented on the handles with the rooster and the hare. These elements are all important aspects of popular Daoism, a religion that had a great following in the Ming and Qing dynasties. This vessel, known as a ritual measure, likely served in Daoist rites to the Queen of Heaven, who was also known as Mother of the Measure. Half-filled with rice, the vessel was the central object of a ceremony that ensured longevity and affluence.