AN ARCHAIC BRONZE TRIPOD VESSEL, DING LATE SHANG/EARLY WESTERN ZHOU DYNASTY

the deep rounded body rising from three tall cylindrical legs, cast just below the  everted rim with a whorl and taotie-mask band, the metal patinated to a dark gun-metal grey tone with mottled light malachite encrustation  

The ding is in very good overall condition with the exception of a 4 x 1cm., plug to the base (possibly contemporary to manufacture) and a light patination of malachite and cuprite encrustation characteristic with burial.
"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."

A ding of this pattern excavated from an early Western Zhou tomb at Lingtai county, Gansu province, is illustrated in Kaogu, 1976, no. 1, p. 40, pl. 2, fig. 1, together with a line drawing of the decoration, p.41, pl.4, fig.1; and for another see, Bernard Karlgren, New Studies on Chinese Bronzes, B.M.F.E.A., Stockholm, 1937, no. 9 , pl. XXXIII, no. 135.