AN ARCHAIC BRONZE VESSEL AND COVER (YOU) Western Zhou Dynasty, 11th-10th century BC

the pear-shaped body, eliptical in cross section, with a domed cover and movable handle, three decorative registers on cover, neck and molded foot, with the cover and foot bearing identical motifs of two pairs of confronting crested birds with long raised tails, the register on the neck with eight birds, in relief against a background of fine spirals (leiwen), four dragons on the handles and two horned animal heads at the terminal, the lower body divided by raised bands into eight sections, centred by diamond-shaped bosses, the inscription inside the base and the cover reading jue fu gui, covered with green malachite encrustation 

Collection of Alan and Simone Hartman, New York, 1980.
Gerald Godfrey, London, June 16, 1987.

Christian Deydier, Chinese Bronzes, New York, 1980, p. 53, no. 33.

The X-ray reveals that the body of the vessel is extensively repaired from the rim to the base with visible cracks from rim to neck, as well as a 1/4 in. (0.8 cm) loss to the rim. The side of the foot ring is also restored. The cover and handles are in good condition but are later replacements.
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.