A rare and very large archaic bronze ritual food vessel (Ding) Spring and Autumn period

supported on three robust cabriole legs, the deep rounded body with everted rim set with a pair of squared outward flaring handles, stamped overall with a diaper of highly stylized confronting snake-like zoomorphs, their curled bodies arranged horizontally over three rows, with an intricate pattern of intertwining zoomorphs to the exterior of the handles, all above large stylized taotie masks at the bulging section of the legs, encircled by a 'rope-twist' filet border before the circular pad feet, the light grayish-brown patina with some malachite encrustation

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

One handle is broken in three places and repaired and there are casting pits to the feet, but the overall condition is very good.
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.

The present bronze vessel is impressive for its large size and unusually thick handles that are curved rather than plain upright. See two ding with similar curved handles but of different proportions and decoration, similarly attributed to the Spring and Autumn period, in the Henan Provincial Museum, illustrated in Zhongguo qingtongqi quanji, vol. 7, Beijing, 1998, pl. 18 and pl. 20.

Compare another related ding illustrated in Jenny So, Eastern Zhou Ritual Bronzes from the Arthur M. Sackler Collections, New York, 1995, pl. 7; and another of shallower body and undecorated cabriole legs, from the same collection, ibid., pl. 5. Related ding have also been sold at auction; for example see one sold in our London rooms, 2nd December 1997, lot 4.