AN ARCHAIC BRONZE RITUAL TRIPOD FOOD VESSEL (DING) LATE SHANG DYNASTY, 13TH - 11TH CENTURY BC

of deep rounded form with a slight S-form profile, the swollen lower section flat cast with pendent triangles enclosing cicada surmounted by a frieze of three pairs of confronting bird-like dragons with raised circular eyes divided by shallow notched flanges on a leiwen ground, a pair of upright U-form handles to each side of the everted rim, all supported on three tall columnar legs, a two-character inscription, Zu Ji (ancestor Ji)  on the interior wall, Japanese wood box (2)

Japanese Collection acquired before World War II.

There are breaks to the base that have been restored and filled extending into the body to the rim with filled patches.
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 ding with a similarly distinctive curved profile and related decoration is illustrated in Robert W. Bagley, Shang Ritual Bronzes in the Arthur M. Sackler Collections, Washington D.C., 1987, pp. 462-463, no. 85. Another with pendent triangles and a frieze of confronting dragons but without the delicate S-curve from the collection of Sir Peter Moores was sold in our London rooms, 9th November 2011, lot 376.