AN ARCHAIC BRONZE WINE VESSEL (GU) SHANG DYNASTY, 13TH - 11TH CENTURY BC

of slender waisted form, cast around the mid-section and splayed foot with pairs of taotie masks with raised eyes on a fine leiwen ground, centered by notched flanges and divided by a pair of bowstrings, the tall flared neck encircled at the base by a band of angular serpents all below four upright triangular blades enclosing leiwen, the greenish-brown patina with areas of bluish-green encrustation, the interior of the base cast with a two-character inscription reading fu yi, wood stand, Japanese wood box (4)

In excellent general condition. There are some small losses to the relief cast details, including a small 1.7 x 0.8 cm area to the splayed foot, and a small chip to one eye of the central 'taotie' mask. Some minute chips visible along the edges, as can be expected. X-ray available upon request.
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.

The box for this lot is inscribed with a note by Zouroku Hata.