AN ARCHAIC BRONZE RITUAL FOOD VESSEL (DING) SHANG DYNASTY, 12TH / 11TH CENTURY BC

the deep U-shaped body supported on three columnar legs and set with two upright loop handles on the everted rim, cast below the lip in low relief with a single band with segmented taotie animal masks separated by flanges, all reserved on a leiwen ground, the silvery surface with light malachite and cuprite patination

John Sparks, London.
Mathias Komor, New York, 1957 (according to label).

According to the x-ray, the legs and one of the handles may have been reinforced where they join the body of the vessel. The x-ray also suggests that at least the lower sections of two legs may have been partially reconstructed. The patina has been polished to a smooth, even surface with some areas of surface paint. The encrustation remains prominent on the inside of the vessel.
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 sunken areas of the design on this bronze contain carbon, a practice common to Shang bronzes and deliberately applied after casting to emphasize the surface decoration.