AN ARCHAIC BRONZE VESSEL, GU SHANG DYNASTY

of classic gu form with a wide trumpet mouth tapering to a waisted cylinder with a slightly bulging mid-section and a flared foot, the neck crisply cast in low relief with four upright lappet blades, the mid-section cast in low relief with two pairs of bosses and a flange forming a taotie mask reserved on a leiwen ground, the foot similarly cast but with a disintegrated mask and with a single pictogram cast on the inside of the foot, the pale green patina with patches of light malachite encrustation

Collection of Martin Fischer, German Consul General in Shanghai, 1938

The bronze is in good overall condition with the exception of a 3.5cm., wide crescent-shaped section of loss to the edge of the foot, small areas of errosion to the outer surface of the of the trumopet neck, heavy encrustation characteristic with burial to the interior and rim of the mouth and neck, and a circa 2.5cm., long hairline fracture to the central section of the body. There is an X-ray of this bronze available for viewing in the department.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The pictogram on this gu represents the family clan of Yu.