A Pair of archaic bronze ritual food vessels and covers (fu) Eastern Zhou, Spring and Autumn period

of rectangular form, the shallow flared sides with galleried rim, supported on a widely splayed base pierced with four lappet-shaped ovals forming corner feet, finely decorated in low uniform relief with entwined scrolls and volutes in horizontal bands forming an overall design on the exterior within plain borders, set on the sides with a pair of loop handles springing from dragon's heads accentuated with 'rope-twist' motifs, with further small monster-mask tabs along the rims, the cover similarly cast in conforming shape and decoration, the smooth gray patina with areas of green and brown encrustation (4)

Acquired by the present owner in 1980.

The overall condition is very good. The patina is quite dry and there are minor casting pits along the foot.
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 shape and intricate, almost abstract dragon design, the present pair of fu is characteristic of vessels made in the Eastern Zhou, middle to late Spring and Autumn period. It is comparable to a fu from Huangchuan, Henan province, illustrated in Historical Relics Unearthed in New China, Beijing, 1972, pl. 61; and another vessel from Xincheng, also in Henan province, included in William Watson, Ancient Chinese Bronzes, London, 1962, pl. 56.  A base without its cover, also from Huangchuan and now in the Henan Provincial Museum, is published in Zhongguo qingtongqi quanji, vol. 7, Beijing, 1998, pl. 66. See also a fu sold in our London rooms, 16th June 1999, lot 731.

For examples of earlier fu, attributed to the Western Zhou period, see one included in the International Exhibition of Chinese Art, the Royal Academy of Arts, London, 1935-36, cat.no. 25; another in the Asian Art Museum, San Francisco, illustrated in Rene-Yvon Lefebvre d'Argence, Ancient Chinese Bronzes in the Avery Brundage Collection, Berkeley, 1966, pl. XXXVI B; and a third example, from the Robert Ellsworth collection, sold in these rooms, 19th March 2002, lot 24.