AN ARCHAIC BRONZE WINE VESSEL, ZHI, AND A COVER SHANG DYNASTY

the pear-shaped body rising from a tall splayed foot and surmounted by a flared mouth with lipped rim, cast around the neck and the foot with a leiwen band centred by a shallow flange on each side, the bronze with light malachite and azurite encrustations, matched cover and wood stand

Collection of T.Y. King (by repute).
Collection of Dr Ernst Winkler, acquired in the 1940-1950s.

The vessel is in good condition with the exception of some nibbles around the rim and a matched cover.
"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."

A zhi cast with a similar band of angular leiwen spirals, but lacking the cover, was sold at Christie’s New York, 22^nd March 2012, lot 1506. Compare zhi of similar form decorated around the neck with a taotie band; such as one with cover, in the David Felix collection, sold at Christie’s New York, 2^nd June 1989, lot 101; one, but with a taller foot, sold in our New York rooms, 18^th March 2014, lot 10; and another cast with an archaistic scrolling band, recovered from the Western Sector of Anyang Yingxu, illustrated in Jessica Rawson, Western Ritual Bronzes from the Arthur M. Sackler Collections, vol. IIB, Washington D.C., 1990, fig. 102.1.