西周晚期 公元前九至八世紀 青銅獸耳簋

raised on three paw feet issuing from stylized animal masks, cast in high relief on the splayed base decorated with a gadrooned border, the bombé form body with four horizontal grooves below a border of stylized hooked dragon motifs, centered on taotie and interrupted by large horned-animal masks issuing tabbed loop handles, the fitted domed cover similarly decorated and surmounted by a flared knop enclosing a coiled dragon medallion, the cover and interior with a long inscription that is under encrustation, overall with bright green and blue patina, Japanese wood box (3)

日本收藏，於60年代前購入。

The body is in good condition. The cover has a restored crack from the rim to knop.
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.

Related gui have been excavated from mid to late Western Zhou period near Chengcheng in Shaanxi province, illustrated in Wenwu, 1980, no. 5. pl. 6, fig. 1, with line drawings of the design, p.63, fig.2,  illustrated again in Jessica Rawson, Western Zhou Bronzes from the Arthur M. Sackler Collections, Washington, D.C., 1990, p. 444, fig. 56.7 along with a more closely related example with similar handles fig.56.8 also from Shaanxi province Fufeng Beiqiaocun both in comparison with a gui from the Sackler Collections no. 56. A gui of similar form and date but with a scroll pattern decoration was sold in our London rooms 9th November 2011, lot 386.