A BRONZE WINE VESSEL, JUE LATE SHANG DYNASTY |

the deep U-shaped body supported on three tall, splayed legs of triangular section, decorated around the neck with a band of leiwen motif, beneath a long spout and pointed tail forming the rim and surmounted by a pair of mushroom-shaped finials, inscribed with a three-character pictogram reading Tian Fu Jia under the handle

Collection of Nakakado Hisao.

Good overall condition with just typical oxidisation and loss to detail
"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 few Shang dynasty bronze vessels with the same inscription are known, including another jue vessel, recorded in Luo Zhenyu, Sandai jijin wencun [Surviving writings from the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties], 1937, vol. 16, p. 3, fig. 8.