AN ARCHAIC BRONZE RITUAL FOOD VESSEL (DING) LATE SHANG / EARLY WESTERN ZHOU DYNASTY |

the deep rounded body supported on three tall slightly tapered cylindrical legs, rising to an everted rim cast with two upright loop handles, cast in low relief below the rim with a narrow taotie band comprising three pairs of dragons centered on a shallow horizontal flange

New York Private Collection.
Sotheby's New York, 28th November 1964, lot 267.
J.T. Tai & Co., New York. 
Sotheby's New York, 22nd March 2011, lot 50. 

The vessel has two small patch repairs to the body (the larger approx. 0.7 x 1.7 cm), one short crack by each handle at the rim, one small chip to the rim, and several small flakes to the surface. X-ray images are 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.