An archaic bronze tripod wine vessel (jia) Middle to late Shang dynasty

supported on three splayed blade legs, the cylindrical vessel with flat base rising to a flared mouth set with two large mushroom-cap finials decorated with sun-whorls, the waisted body with two horizontal registers, each cast with pairs of low-relief taotie masks formed by raised bosses for eyes, reserved on a leiwen ground, interrupted on one side by a loop handle cast with a single raised filet, the gun-metal patina covered with light malachite encrustation

Acquired by the present owner in the 1990s; prior to that, on the Hong Kong art market in the early 1980s.

The overall condition is good with slight warpage to the rim. Under UV light, all tips of the feet have been rebuilt (the lower 2 inches). There is a 2 inch sq. section of the mouthrim near the handle that has been rebuilt and a 1 inch sq. section under one of the finials (the right one based on the catalogue photograph). There is a 3 x 1 inch patch on the lower register that appears also to have some minor restoration. The core material of the legs was removed to reveal the ridged construction.
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 its broad, angular form, this jia is characteristic of vessels of the pre-Anyang period, and the present vessel is particularly striking because of its unusual oversized finials. A very similar jia in the Shanxi Provincial Museum is illustrated in Zhongguo qingtongqi quanji, vol.4, Beijing, 1998, pl. 57; and another is included in Shang Ritual Bronzes in the National Palace Museum Collection, Taipei, 1998, pl. 9. Compare also a jia sold in our London rooms, 28th May 1968, lot 39.