AN ARCHAIC BRONZE COPPER-INLAID FLASK (BIAN HU) WARRING STATES PERIOD / EARLY WESTERN HAN DYNASTY

each side of the flattened oval body cast with nineteen panels arranged in five horizontal bands and divided by raised borders inlaid with copper sheet of dull reddish colour, each panel with interlaced hooks and scrolls and an array of small feather curls, the shoulders with matching panels extending to the plain stepped foot, set with applied taotie masks suspending loose rings, the neck with a chevron band, the rim and upper band of chevron inlaid with copper sheet

Sotheby & Co., London, 25th March 1975, lot 159.

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.

A flask similar in size and design was excavated from a Warring States tomb at Shangcunling, Henan Province, illustrated in Zhongguo qingtongqi quanji, vol. 8, Beijing, 1995, pl. 143. Compare also a similar flask from the Bella and P.P. Chiu collection, sold in our London rooms, 7th June 2000, lot 14; and another sold in these rooms, 31st March 2005, lot 159.