AN ARCHAIC BRONZE RITUAL FOOD VESSEL (GUI) LATE WESTERN ZHOU DYNASTY

raised on three paw feet issuing from stylized animal masks, the compressed globular body cast with concave horizontal bands between borders of stylized hooked dragon motifs at the foot and rim, set to each side with large horned-animal masks issuing tabbed loop handles, the silvery-green bronze with malachite encrustation, Japanese wood box (3)

In good general condition. The vessel missing its cover and with small patches of restoration visible to one of the handles; above the right eye of the bovine and to the lower part of the handle. A further patch of restoration to the upper rib of body, measuring approximately 3 cm wide. Old small chips to rim and edges, with wear characteristic of the period. The silver-gray patina with malachite and cuprite encrustation. X-rays available upon request.
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.

Compare a gui attributed to the late Western Zhou period of similar form and ribbed decoration, with a cover, illustrated in Jessica Rawson, Western Zhou Ritual Bronzes from the Arthur M. Sackler Collection, vol. II, Cambridge, Mass., 1990, pl. 56. Other vessels of this type were among a hoard found at Shaochencun, Fufeng county, Shaanxi province, published in line drawings by Jessica Rawson, Chinese Bronzes. Art and Ritual, London, 1987, fig. 18, with one of them illustrated in Five Thousand Years of Chinese Art, Shang Chou Dynasty Bronze VIII, Kuei Vessels, Taipei, 1989, pl. 47 and p. 163, fig. 105. Further gui and cover of this form include one sold in our London rooms, 11th December 1984, lot 2; another sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 7th July 2003, lot 620; and a third from the Ellsworth Collection sold in these rooms, 19th March 2002, lot 18.