AN ARCHAIC BRONZE RITUAL WINE VESSEL, JUE SHANG DYNASTY

supported on three splayed legs, the deep U-shaped body with long channelled spout opposite a raised pointed rim, crisply cast around the exterior in low relief with a taotie mask band divided to one side by a vertical flange and to the other with loop handle issuing from a bovine mask, the rim set with a pair of rectangular posts capped by conical finials decorated with whorl patters, cast with two pictograms below the handle, the metal patinated to a dark brownish-grey tone with light patches of malachite encrustation, wood stand 

Private Collection formed in the 1950's.

The jue is in very good overall condition with the exception of some small nicks to the edges of the rim, channelled spout and legs, a slight lean downwards to the handle side, and patches of heavy malachite encrustation due to burial (these do not obscure the taotie design).
"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 two-character inscription consists of the cyclical graph gui and the pictograph ge (dagger). See closely related jue in the Arthur M. Sackler collection, illustrated in Robert W. Bagley, Shang Ritual Bronzes in the Arthur M. Sackler Collections, Washington D.C., 1987, pls 19-23; further examples included in the exhibition Shang Ritual Bronzes in the National Palace Museum, National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1998, cat. nos 4 and 5; and three sold in our New York rooms, 20^th March 2007, lot 528, 20^th September 2000, lot 40, and 19^th September 2001, lot 1.