A RARE PAIR OF ARCHAIC BRONZE RITUAL WINE VESSELS (GU) SHANG DYNASTY, 13TH CENTURY B.C. |

each of waisted form, the smooth sides rising from a short, straight foot to a trumpet neck and flaring rim, the central section protruding only slightly for a subtly bulbous profile and cast with two dissolved taotie masks in relief, all between thread-relief bands above and below, a pair of cruciform apertures in the lower set of bands, two intaglio pictograms cast to the interior of the foot, the patina of mottled silvery-green color with malachite encrustations (2)

Collection of P. O'Connor, Esq.
Sotheby's London, 13th December 1977, lot 235.
Collection of J.T. Tai & Co.
Sotheby's New York, 22nd March 2011, lot 2.

One vessel is in overall good condition with only typical signs of aging and wear, including oxidation, minor flake chips, and minor dents (all as illustrated). The other vessel with similar signs of aging, plus a restored branching crack around approx. two-thirds of the upper body and an approx. 5-cm restored break to the foot (resulting in three small pieces out and re-stuck). X-ray images 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.

Bronze vessels known as gu first appeared in the Erligang phase of the Shang dynasty. A simple, stout vessel with a profile curving in an unbroken arc from rim to foot, the form gradually evolved to taller, more slender shapes with a pronounced middle section. The present pair of gu are comparatively large and stout, therefore suggesting an early Shang dynasty date. Comparable excavated vessels are discussed and illustrated in Robert W. Bagley, Shang Ritual Bronzes in the Arthur M. Sackler Collections, vol. I, 1987, Washington, D.C., pp. 216-261, cat. nos 40 - 41, and figs. 41.1 and 41.2. A related pair of gu, part of a larger set of objects uncovered near Luoyang, Henan province, now in the Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, are illustrated in William White, Bronze Culture of Ancient China, Toronto, 1956, p. 133.