AN ARCHAIC BRONZE RITUAL VESSEL, ZHI EARLY WESTERN ZHOU DYNASTY

raised on a hollow spreading foot, rising to a slender pear-shaped body with a broad flared mouth, the neck cast with two horizontal ribs, the interior with a four-character inscription, the surface with a mottled rich green and russet-brown patina

Sotheby's London, 7^th December 1993, lot 8.

In general good condition, a 5.5cm scratch running vertically down the side, with a smooth green patina, minor nibbles at the rim and foot, cuprite encrustatiosn around the rim and foot and mottled malachite encrustations to the interior.
"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 interior of this vessel is cast with what appears to be a four or five character pictogram, the last two characters reading fu jia, meaning 'father of the Jia clan'.