Abstract: A high temperature vessel, such as a ladle for containing molten metal, comprises a metal outer shell and a refractory inner lining. The interior of the vessel has a curved cross-section in a plane transverse to the center line of the vessel, and there is an opening at one end of the vessel. There can be forces which urge the refractory lining toward the open end, and structure is provided at the open end to retain the refractory lining in place against the urging of those forces. The retaining structure comprises an end course of refractory retaining bricks and metal retaining member thermally protected by the end course. The metal retaining member holds the end course in place, and the end course cooperates with retaining member to hold the vessel's refractory lining in place. The metal retaining member has a protrusion preferably with a curved outer surface, and each retaining brick has a recess with a curved inner surface, devoid of sharp angles or corners, for receiving the protrusion.