A BRONZE LIBATION CUP (JUE) YUAN / MING DYNASTY

the ‘U’-shaped body decorated with a wan-fret diaper band, supported on three curved triangular blade feet, one side cast with a mythical-beast-head loop handle surmounted by the scooped spout and rounded tail, flanked by a pair of vertical posts flower bud finials

For other examples of libation cups dated from the 14th to 16th centuries see Rose Kerr, Later Chinese Bronzes, London, 1990, no. 17.