Originally used as a cooking vessel, Ding were later appropriated as a bronze vessel for sacrifices, funerals, court activities, ritualistic performances and events. Ding were used to signify the rigid class structures that shaped the way an object was used by an individual of a particular socioeconmic status. Historically, Ding vessels represented state power. The act of casting bronze ware that was intended for sacrifices was attributed to higher ranked members in society. Ding were also presented by rulers to their officials as gifts. Quite often, ancient bronze vessels hold inscriptions that glorify the owner's ancestors. 

鼎是一個最初用作炊具，後來被用作祭祀、葬禮、宮廷活動、儀式表演和活動的青銅器。鼎一直以來被用作表示嚴格的階級結構，這種結構則塑造了具有特定社會經濟地位的個人所使用物品的方式。歷史上，鼎亦代表了國家的權力。鑄造用於祭祀的青銅器的行為則歸因於社會中地位較高的成員，而統治者也會將鼎作為禮物送給他們的官員。很多時候，古老的青銅器皿上都刻有頌揚主人祖先的銘文。