Liang, standard measure of volume

Hsin dynasty (A.D. 9-23),
Height: 25.5 cm; Depth of hu: 23.0 cm; Mouth diameter: 34.0 cm; Depth of ho: 2.2 cm, Mouth diameter: same as hu; Depth of sheng: 5.6 cm; Mouth diameter: 7.6 cm; Depth of ho: 2.2 cm; Mouth diameter: 3.4 cm; Depth of yueh: 1.1 cm; Mouth diameter: 3.3 cm; weight: 1349g

This measuring standard bears an inscription of 81 characters explaining the method by which the vessel was cast and its various divisions and equivalents. The liang is divided into hu, tou, sheng, ho and yueh. 1 hu -- 10 tou, 1 tou = 10 sheng; 1 sheng-- 10 ho; 1 ho = 2 yueh. The ancient Chinese calculations having been lost, the modern equivalents of these measures can be reestimated from the circumference of the hu. Thus this bronze liang provides a valuable standard of reference for measures used by the ancient Chinese.

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