AN ARCHAIC BRONZE RITUAL WINE VESSEL (GU) LATE SHANG DYNASTY, 13TH / 12TH CENTURY BC

of slender, waisted form, crisply cast around the mid-section and splayed foot with pairs of taotie masks with raised eyes on a fine leiwen ground, centered by notched flanges and divided by a pair of bowstrings interrupted by two cruciform and two vertical apertures, the tall flared neck encircled by a narrow spiral bound below four upright triangular blades enclosing highly stylized angular scrolls, Japanese wood box (2) 

Japanese Collection, acquired before the 1960s.

There is a section of repaired damage with associated cracks to the upper body. The rest of the vessel is 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.

For a closely related gu please see Robert W. Bagley, Shang Bronzes from the Arthur M. Sackler Galleries, Washington D.C., 1987, no. 31, p. 235 where the author discusses the attractive addition of notched flanges, "giving the columnar shape architectural stability." A vessel of similar form, decoration and dimension formerly in the J. T. Tai Collection was sold in these rooms, 22nd March 2011, lot 13.