Deux verseuses en bronze, jue Chine, fin de la dynastie Shang / début de la dynastie des Zhou Occidentaux, XIE siècle av. J.-C.

chacune reposant sur trois pieds cambrés en forme de lames, la panse à décor finement sculpté d'un registre de deux paires d'oiseaux stylisés sur fond de leiwen, le bec verseur encadré par deux appendices, la bordure opposée en pointe, inscription dédicatoire à quatre caractères au dessous de l'anse (2)

Acquired in China in the 1940s.

Willem Van Heusden, Ancient Chinese Bronzes of the Shang and Chou Dynasties. An Illustrated Catalogue of the Van Heusden Collection with a historical Introduction by Willem van Heusden, Tokyo, 1952, p. 92, pl. IX.

Both pieces have not been x-rayed. The jue on the left hande side in the catalogue illustration: one leg shows an old restored break at 3.8cm from the tip of the foot. There is possibly a 3.5cm long and 1cm wide restored section to one side of the spout. The surface is polished with the exception to some small areas of malachite green encrustation, particularly to the interior of the vessel. The patina is of a more greenish-blue tone than the catalogue illustration suggests. The jue on the right hand side in the catalogue illustration: there is an old restored break to one leg ca. 3.5cm from the tip of the leg. One finial shows an old restored break where it joins the rim and possibly a second one where the cap of the same finial joins the finial. The surface is polished with the exception to some small areas of malachite green encrustation, particularly to the interior of the vessel. The patina is of a more greenish-blue tone than the catalogue illustration suggests.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The four-character inscription cast below the handle on both jue may be translated as 'Hai (had this vessel) made (in honour of) Father Gong'.