瓮

A large ceramic vessel characterized by a wide belly and a narrow mouth. It is used in two primary contexts: domestic/agricultural storage (grain, water, fermented liquids, or pickled vegetables) and funerary use (as an urn for human ashes).

Functions almost exclusively as a noun; typically serves as the object or location of storage.

Distinguished from metal ritual vessels (e.g., 鼎 //ding//, 鬲 //li//) and lacquerware by its earthenware material. It is larger and more stationary than a 罐 (//guan//, small jar) or a 瓶 (//ping//, bottle/vase). In metaphorical contexts, the vessel's shape may suggest a trap or an inability to escape.

The forms 瓮 and 甕 are interchangeable variants.

Denotes a vessel made of fired clay/earthenware (瓦).

Due to the wide body and narrow neck, the glyph implies stability and long-term containment rather than easy pouring.