A GILT-SPLASHED BRONZE VASE (HU) QING DYNASTY, 17TH CENTURY

of archaic form, the body divided into four zones by concentric raised ribs, the shoulders set with taotie mask handles suspending loose rings, the rich amber-colored metal splashed with gold dapples of varying sizes, the base cast with the four-character mark dan er bu yan

Yamanaka & Co., New York (according to label).
Sotheby's New York, 26th September 1972, lot 573.
Sotheby's Hong Kong, 20th November 1984, lot 520.
Collection of Thomas Barlow Walker.
Sotheby's Hong Kong, 23rd October 2005, lot 473.

There are some minor casting flaws to the interior, and minor corrosion to one handle. The base with some black pigment and marked in red ink with the notation X. 1970. Otherwise in overall good condition.
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 four-character mark dan er bu yan  may be translated as 'simple but desirable'.

For the archaic prototype to this vessel excavated from Qin tomb no. M3 at Biyang, in Henan, dated between 221 and 206 B.C., see Wenwu, 1980, no.9, p.23, fig.18 and p.16, fig.4.