AN ARCHAIC BRONZE RITUAL FOOD VESSEL (DING) LATE SHANG / EARLY WESTERN ZHOU DYNASTY, 12TH / 11TH CENTURY BC

the deep U-shaped body supported on three columnar legs and cast below the lip with a single band of raised circular whorls separated by stylized dragons, all reserved on a leiwen ground, the top of the lipped-rim set with opposing upright loop handles, the base with a raised mold marks forming a cross-hatch pattern within a triangle connecting the legs, the grayish-green patina lightly encrusted

Acquired in China circa 1947, and thence by descent.

The X-ray suggests that the body of the vessel is in good condition. There are filled casting holes to the legs, two of the legs with cracks. There are chips along the edges of the feet. The surface has been cleaned and there are scattered patches of ferrous encrustation.
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 similar Late Shang / Early Western Zhou period example is illustrated in Jessica Rawson, Western Zhou Ritual Bronzes from the Arthur M. Sackler Collections, vol. IIB, Washington D.C., 1990, pl. 11, and a similar Western Zhou example was sold in these rooms, 15th - 16th September 2015, lot 119.