Both the lid and neck of the hu bear two handles with rings. The neck is inlaid with two rows of bird-shaped designs of copper; the upper part of the belly is also inlaid with two rows of copper designs but with beast motifs. Unearthed along with the hu are ding (cooking vessels), dui (food containers), pan (water vessels), gui (food containers), yi (water vessels), xi zun (an ox-shaped wine vessel), swords, ge (hook weapons), chariots and harnesses.
Hunyuan was the site of ancient Dai, a state established by a northern tribe in the late Spring and Autumn period. The bronzeware unearthed there were exquisite in workmanship and unique in pattern and design. Bronzes inlaid with copper designs have also been seen among relics of the states of Yan and Cai. Dai was conquered by Zhao in the early years of the Warring States period.