AN ARCHAIC BRONZE RITUAL FOOD VESSEL (LIDING) SHANG DYNASTY

supported on three slender columnar legs, the body with three shallow lobes, each decorated in relief with a taotie mask with large raised eyes, curled horns and intaglio details, on a ground of leiwen inlaid with black and flanked by descending beaked dragons, the everted rim set with two upright loop handles, the dark patina with pale green encrustation on the exterior and interior 

Under optical, ultraviolet (UV) light and x ray examination the vessel is in overall good condition. There are two chaplets and filled patches on the base. The vessel is greener than the catalogue illustration.
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.

Compare a liding of similar size and decoration, illustrated in Robert W. Bagley, Shang Ritual Bronzes from the Arthur M. Sackler Collections, Washington D.C., 1987, pp. 486-489, cat. no. 93.