The Mao Kong Ding cauldron has a wide, flared mouth, a linked ring motif decorating the rim, upright handles, and three hoofed feet. The inscription, which can be divided into seven sections, describes when King Xuan of the Zhou came to the throne, he was very eager for the thriving and prosperous of the country, therefore he asked his uncle, the Duke of Mao to govern both domestic and external affairs. Since the Duke of Mao was very conscientious and selfless, the King then presented the Duke with official vestments and gifts, and that this vessel was cast in order to record the honor given to the Duke for his descendants.