AN ARCHAIC BRONZE RITUAL WINE VESSEL (ZUN) LATE SHANG DYNASTY / EARLY WESTERN ZHOU DYNASTY, 11TH CENTURY BC

of tall circular form with a wide trumpet mouth and raised splayed foot, the long flared neck plain, the central bulb cast in low relief with a frieze of confronting dragons, divided and interspersed with notched vertical flanges, between narrow bands of circles, the lower bulb cast with a similar design frieze, the bronze a warm golden-brown patina with patches of green malachite and red cuprite encrustation, the inside of the foot cast with a long inscription

Collection of C. L. Rothenstein, Bradford (according to label) who in 1914 changed his name to Charles L. Rutherston.
Bluett & Sons, London (according to label).

International Exhibition of Chinese Art, Royal Academy of Arts, London, 1935-6, cat. no. 182.

Catalogue of the International Exhibition of Chinese Art 1935-6, Royal Academy of Arts, London, 1935, p. 14, no. 182 and International Exhibition of Chinese Art 1935-6: Illustrated Supplement to the Catalogue, Royal Academy of Arts, London, 1935, p. 16, fig. 182.

 

According to the x-ray this vessel is in overall good condition. There is some old filling material to the underside and there are several tiny holes in the foot. The surface is very smooth, and there are some nice patches of dark malachite and cuprite patina.
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.

Charles Lambert Rutherston (1866-1927) was the brother of Sir William Rothenstein, Principal of the Royal College of Art, connoisseur, collector and one of the first patrons of Henry Moore, who upon visiting Rutherston in 1923 noted that he had one of the most important collections of Chinese art in Britain.