A LARGE ARCHAIC BRONZE RITUAL WINE VESSEL, LEI WESTERN ZHOU DYNASTY

of compressed ovoid form supported by a tall splayed foot with an angular foot rim, cast around the body with a band of eight prominent triangular lappets each containing a pair of confronting gui dragons, the shoulders boldly cast with six sun whorls in raised relief alternating with dragons with heads turned back, the shoulders set with a pair of bovine-head handles, each suspending a large loose 'rope twist' ring handle, all below a waisted neck collared by a wave band with C-scrolls, the surface cleaned to reveal a gun metal patina with patches of green encrustation, wood box (2)

Formerly in a Japanese collection.
Sotheby's New York, 30th March 2006, lot 261.

 

Overall good condition. The piece has been examined and tested, and there is a full report available on request to the Chinese Works of Art Department a summary of which is given as follows: Radiography of the vessel has shown no breaks or replacement components. A very minor fill has been created along part of the lower edge of the foot so that the vessel may stand without wobbling. The corrosion products were tested and confirmed to be varieties commonly found in long term corrosion of ancient coppoer alloys. The microstructure of both the corrosion and the metal show that the vessel is deeply and pervasively corroded in a manner consistent with the long term effects of a natural environment. The vessel is obviously product of piece mould casting. The vessel is asymmetric today, partially as a consequence of distortions that appear to have undergone in the past. The rim of the mouth is undulates and a pronounced cusp is visible on each side of the foot under the handles. The handles were noted to have been mis-cast and provided with cast-on foundry repairs. Thermoluminiscence testing confirms that the handle repairs and original investment residues in the foot are both ancient and consistent with the Western Zhou attribution of the bronze. The vessel is remarkable for it rich dark glossy black colour. It also shows areas of beautiful light green patination to the body, neck and handles extending into the interior. There is some bright blue, green and iron encrustation adhering to the underside of the base.
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.

The shape of this bronze vessel demonstrates the advanced degree of technical expertise in casting a vessel of this shape and size, and shows what could be achieved by construction with piece molds. Compare a lei of this type in the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, illustrated in Rene-Yvon Levebre d'Argence, Bronze Vessels of Ancient China in the Avery Brundage Collection, San Francisco, 1977, pl. XXXVIII; two lei of similar size were excavated at Qijiacun in Fufeng County, Shaanxi province, illustrated in Shaanxi chutu Shang Zhou qingtong qi, vol. II, Beijing, 1980, pls. 130 and 131, another lei of this type and size is illustrated in Bluett & Sons Ltd., Oriental Art, II, London, 1991, no. 6.