Recording an imperial edit to its owner, this inscription is a typical example of mature big seal script. Its stroke technique advanced into a strict framework which essentially unchanged in the latest regular script, its characters are regularly built and evenly spaced, and its expression is unmistakably dignified. “Tripod of The Duke of Mao has a high place in calligraphy as Classic of History in Confucian classics,” remarked Li Ruiqing, a scholar of Qing dynasty.

King to the Duke of Mao.

By not only the trust of the will of Heaven but also the repayment of their benevolence and sagacity, King Wen and King Wu founded the great state of Zhou, to which states from remote land came over pledge their allegiance. Though the world is no longer as peaceful as before - a fear of those troubled days still lingers in my heart, I am duty-bound to safeguard Zhou's eternal estate.

Hereon I put you in charge of state affairs of Zhou. I don't shirk my responsibility but rather appreciate your ability. Be conscientious of your astronomer's duty and cautious of your official power. You may make urgent decisions without my approval and remind me of late kings' kindness. Always live up to the virtue favored by Providence, by which our state can endure.