AN ARCHAIC BRONZE RITUAL WINE VESSEL, JUE LATE SHANG / EARLY WESTERN ZHOU DYNASTY

standing on three sabre-shaped legs of triangular section, the body decorated with a simple raised band, the two top handles surmounted by simple whorls on conical sections and one with a two-character inscription, a bovine-mask issuing a loop handle over a two-character inscription, all under a shiny and matte patina with extensive malachite encrustation

On loan to the Brooklyn Museum, New York (1969-2009).

The vessel shows some areas of light green encrustation and some smaller areas of iron red encrustation to the exterior and the upper part of the interior. The lower part of the body and parts of the three legs are very smooth where the patination may have been polished off in the past. The rounded base of the body and the upper parts of the three legs are a steely grey colour and have a very smooth surface where the patination has been completely polished off in the past. Both areas do not show up under blacklight.
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.