AN ARCHAIC BRONZE RITUAL FOOD VESSEL (DING) MIDDLE WESTERN ZHOU DYNASTY, 10TH / 9TH CENTURY BC

the deep rounded sides rising to a pronounced everted lip and resting on three tapering columnar legs, the swelling body finely cast below the rim with a narrow band of three pairs of hook- beaked birds trailing long quills against a fine leiwen ground,  below a pair of upright U-shaped handles, a triangle of seam lines on the base extending down the slender legs,  the smooth pale green patina with areas of black and dark green encrustation, Japanese wood box (2)

Japanese Collection formed before World War II.

In overall good condition. One side of the body is cracked and restored. There are three chaplets visible on the base.
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 of similar form, dimension and with closely related decoration is illustrated in Jessica Rawson, Western Zhou Ritual Bronzes from the Arthur M. Sackler Collection, vol IIB, Washington D.C., 1990. p. 280, fig. 17.3 along with a discussion of the differing ding forms with rounded tapering sides "as a modified form of the standard rounded ding." Another related vessel of slightly larger size from the Concordia House Collection was sold in these rooms, 19th March, 2007, lot 80.