在古代，铜大缸不仅可以用来盛水，故宫铜大缸，还在风水上有一定的讲究说法，如在庭院门口两边方式铜雕大缸，既显得大方高贵，又具有风水上所说的水能聚财，财源广进之意，由此可显现，铜雕大缸在古代占据很高的地位。

In ancient times, copper cylinders can not only be used to hold water, but also have some fastidious views on geomantic waters. For example, in the way of bronze cylinders carved on both sides of the courtyard entrance, it not only appears generous and noble, but also has the meaning of water energy gathering wealth and wide financial resources, which shows that bronze cylinders occupy a very high position in ancient times.

北京故宫，旧称紫禁城，是明、清两代的皇宫，也是我国现存最大最完整的古建筑群。当我们游览故宫时，不时会发现那一尊尊金属大缸。据《大清会典》记载，紫禁城内曾有大缸308尊。由于历史动乱的变迁，现还剩200余尊。故宫内的大缸，按质量可分为铜鎏金吉祥缸、烧古青铜缸和铁铸大缸。第一类铜鎏金吉祥缸，是比较贵重的，这种缸明代数量较少，到了清代多起来。
Beijing Palace Museum, formerly known as the Forbidden City, is the imperial palace of Ming and Qing dynasties, and is also the largest and most complete ancient building complex in China. When we visit the Palace Museum, we sometimes find that big metal cylinder. According to the Daqing Huidian, there were 308 large cylinders in the Forbidden City. Due to the vicissitudes of historical turmoil, there are still more than 200 people left. The large cylinders in the Palace Museum can be divided into copper and gold auspicious cylinders, bronze burning cylinders and iron casting cylinders according to their quality. The first kind of copper gold auspicious cylinder is more valuable. This kind of cylinder has fewer quantity in Ming Dynasty, and it grew up in Qing Dynasty.