The bronze you with beast mask design was unearthed at the Xingan Dayangzhou Shang dynasty tomb in Jiangxi province. [File photo/IC]

3. Bronze You, ancient kettle

The bronze you was one of the most common wine containers during the Shang and Zhou dynasties, and it played an important role in rituals. The you can also be used to warm wine. For example, the bronze you with beast mask design, unearthed at the Xingan Dayangzhou Shang dynasty tomb in Jiangxi province, has a slot in its abdomen where charcoals could be placed. Just as people today can't do without an electric kettle, the you allowed people to enjoy a hot drink.