AN ARCHAIC BRONZE RITUAL WINE VESSEL, ZUN LATE SHANG DYNASTY, 12TH/11TH CENTURY BC

the rounded body rising from a high spreading foot to an angled shoulder and broad flaring mouth, the shoulders cast in high relief with three bovine masks set against a stylised bird band, all above three large taotie masks with boss 'eyes' divided by vertical flanges, the foot and neck encircled by bowstring lines, the metal patinated to a dark gun-metal tone with an overall light and fairly even malachite encrustation

Sotheby's London, 13th November 2002, lot 34.

There is evidence of a circa 10cm., wide V-shpaed repair to the rim, a circa 12cm., wide U-shaped repair to the side of the body, and two circa 7cm., long vertical repairs running over the angled shoulder onto the body at differnt sides, all possibly hiding hairline cracks; the broad flaring rim has small nicks and is slightly distorted, minor dents and casting flaws and light overall encrustation.
"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 similar zun in the Hunan Provincial Museum is illustrated in Zhongguo qingtongqi quanji, vol. 4, Beijing, 1998, pls 117 and 118; and another was sold in these rooms, 10th December 1968, lot 29.