An archaic bronze ritual wine vessel and cover with chain-link handle (you) Eastern Han dynasty

the pear-shaped body supported on a splayed foot, rising to a waisted neck and flaring mouth, cast with three concentric ribs above bands of low-relief lozenges and triangular lappets around the widest part of the body and foot, the neck with two main registers enclosing rows of stylized peacock feathers divided by further lozenge and lappet bands, all flanked at the hip by two loop handles securing a long chain composed of double-looped links rising to a C-shaped handle, linked to the low cover with a flattened top cast with a quatrefoil medallion encircled by a border of lappets radiating from the edge of the rim

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

Min Chiu Society exhibition, 1999 - 2000.
Hong Kong Museum of Art, 2001 - 2006.

This vessel is in good overall condition with malachite and some azurite encrustation. The cover removes with ease and the chains and handle appear to be original to the vessel.
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.

You of this type were made during the Han dynasty in southern China. See a closely related piece in the Musee Cernuschi, Paris, illustrated in Christian Deydier, Chinese Bronzes, New York, 1980, pl. 88; and another vessel of this form with similar chain handle but decorated with two taotie masks only, ibid., pl. 89.