An archaic bronze ritual wine vessel (hu) Warring States Period / Han dynasty

of slightly flattened pear-shape, flanked on the shoulders by two small loop handles, finely cast with 'twisted rope' strapwork around the body forming a pattern of rectangular panels on an otherwise plain ground, all between further 'rope' borders encircling the flaring rim and straight foot, the surface patina of light green tone with patches of malachite encrustation