AN ARCHAIC BRONZE RITUAL WINE VESSEL (ZUN) LATE SHANG / EARLY WESTERN ZHOU DYNASTY, 11TH CENTURY BC

with flaring mouth and splayed foot cast around the sides in bold crisp relief with two horned taotie masks with bulging eyes on a leiwen ground bisected by narrow flanges between double bowstring bands, two characters inscribed on the base of the interior Fu Gui (Father Gui), the dark brownish-green patina with some light malachite encrustation, wood stand (2)

Acquired in Japan between 1947 and 1952.

There are two casting flaws that have been repaired to the rim. There is a tiny filled hole to the neck. Otherwise, in good condition.
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.

A related zun dated to the late Shang dynasty, is illustrated in Jessica Rawson, Western Zhou Ritual Bronzes from the Arthur M. Sackler Collections, Washington D.C., 1990, p. 541, no. 77 and has the same two character inscription but on the inside wall of the ring foot which the author transcribes as Fu Gui. For other closely related examples see ibid fig. 79.2, p. 550. For further discussion on the form and decoration see a similar vessel in Wang Tao, Chinese Bronzes from the Meiyintang Collection, London, 2009, no 61, p. 134.