Vase archaïque en bronze, gu Début de la dynastie Shang

le corps effilé sous un col trompette largement évasé, la partie centrale en léger relief décorée de masques taotie et rythmée de quatre fines arêtes, le pied évasé percé dans sa partie supérieure de deux croix et décoré de leiwen

Acquired in China between 1894 and 1922.
Thence in the family by descent.

The x-ray reveals that the flared neck and rim of the vessel have been broken into seven parts and reattached. There is a ca. 2.5 cm long rounded crack on the base of the foot. Several small chips have broken out of the rim of the foot. Parts of the body are covered with darkish malachite encrustation, the rest of the body is polished and the bronze patinated to a light celadon tone. The bronze a more saturated green tone than the catalogue illustration suggests. There is a paper label attached to the inside foot.
"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."