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A RARE ARCHAIC CARVED BONE UTENSIL SHANG DYNASTY, 12TH / 11TH CENTURY BC
Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- Bronze
of elongated rectangular form, waisted and flaring towards one curved and one flat end finely carved on both sides, the front with two taotie masks stacked above a narrow scroll band and a band of pendent blades, the reverse carved with three vertically arranged kuilong shown in profile, above a leiwen band and pendent blade, the lower, curved section with a fine, thin edge forming a scoop
Provenance
T. Culty, Paris, 1961.
Condition
There are two shallow areas of corrosion to one face of the utensil near the waisted center, several small chips along the edges and light scratches to the uncarved end. There is also some old adhesive on the underside of the curved edge. Overall the piece is in good condition and with an attractive patina.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
While there have been numerous published and sold fragments, it is very rare to find a complete example of this type. Another complete piece from the Arthur M. Sackler Collection was sold at Christie's New York, 18th March 2009, lot 253.
Compare the carved bone example excavated from the tomb of the Shang royal consort Fu Hao, Anyang, Henan province, illustrated in Yin xu Fu Hao mu, Beijing, 1980, pl. 179:1. For further comparisons see O. Siren, 'History of Early Chinese Art', Ars Asiatica vol. VII, 1925, p. 12; and William C. White, Bone Culture of Ancient China, 1945, p. 56.