The Shang worshipped and made sacrifices to a number of natural spirits like the sun and rain as well as to the god of heaven, Shang-ti. More importantly, ancestors were revered and worshipped for their power to influence the lives of their descendants. To this end, numerous bronze vessels of various shapes were cast as sacrificial containers for offerings of food and wine to the spirits. The socle, or pedestal, of this Kuei, as well as the bowl itself display protective t'ao-tieh masks in high relief. The vessel is distinguished by its handles which combine a crested elephant head with a bird body. The ten character inscription reads:

Ch'u-shu ___ has made (commissioned)

this vessel wherewith to feast the guests

(ancestral spirits).