AN ARCHAISTIC SILVER AND GOLD INLAID BRONZE WINE VESSEL AND COVER, YOU QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

the archaic form with flanges along the sides and centre, cast and inlaid with an archaistic taotie mask band reserved on a leiwen ground on the body, the neck also cast with two smaller taotie mask bands, the lower band applied with an animal mask, the shoulder flanked by two small tapir-heads with pointy horns and the rounded cheeks securing a rope-form handle, all raised on a tall splayed foot, the domed cover similarly cast with taotie masks divided by four raised flanges encircling the raised knop, the underside of the lid with a nine-character pictogram, the bronze patinated to a dark chocolate brown tone

D. & S. Howlett Collection, CB. 1 (according to label).

The you is in general good condition with the exception of minor wear to the gilding, the dark chocolate patina with some light malachite encrustation and verdigris deposits.
"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."