A RARE ARCHAIC BRONZE VESSEL, JIAO SHANG DYNASTY

the deep U-shaped body rising from three tall splayed legs to the rim which symetrically flares into two points, cast around the exterior with a taotie band, the large bulging eyes divided by a vertical blunt flange below a high relief rams head to one side and an animal-headed loop handle to the other, the underside of the rim with triangular taotie masks, the metal patinated to a dark grey tone with light areas of malachite and cuprite encrustation

A private French collection (formed in the 1960's and 70s).

The jue is in good overall condition with the exception of some probable restoration to the taotie band to the left of the handle.
"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 present jiao is a fine example of its type, with another illustrated in Zhongguo gudai qingtongqi xiao cidian, Beijing, 1980, p.33; and three examples in the Idemitsu Museum of Art, Tokyo, published in Ancient Chinese Arts in the Idemitsu Collection, Tokyo, 1989, pls. 34-36. For further examples see a jiao found near Baoji, Shaanxi province, sold in these rooms 18^th July 1961, lot 83, and now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York; and another also sold in our New York rooms, 31^st May 1989, lot 21.