西周王盂新解

New Interpretation of the Wangyu Bronze Vessel of Western Zhou Dynasty

本文认为陕西扶风所出西周铜器王盂,乃周王为"蒡京中寝"所作"馈盂"。中寝即西周王后居住的中宫。馈,则表明该盂为周王正配司掌馈食供养所专用。此篇铭文的重新解读,对探索西周王后之职以及相关礼制研究具有重要意义。

This article suggests that the Western Zhou Wang yu bronze vessel unearthed from Fufeng county of Shaanxi Province was a kui-yu vessel for Pangjing Zhongqin蒡京中寝donated by a Western Zhou king.Zhongqin here refers to the Middle Palace at Pangjing resided by Western Zhou queens.As indicated by the inscription of kui馈,the use of this yu vessel in fulfilling her duty of offering food and drink is exclusive to the consort of Western Zhou king.The reinterpretation of these inscriptions on this vessel is of great significance to exploring the duties of Western Zhou queens and related ritual institutions.