西周早期 公元前十一至十世紀 作寶彝簋

侈口鼓腹，束頸獸首耳，下有長方形珥作獸鳥形，圈足下連鑄方座，器腹和方座均飾饕餮紋，方座上饕餮紋位於四角，間以立鳥紋，器腹又飾以兩道寬厚的鳥形扉棱，圈足飾夔龍紋，主體紋飾均以雲雷紋襯底。

器內底鑄銘文三字：作寶彝。

1948年購於上海金才記
H.E. Alexandre J. Argyropoulos 收藏
J.J. Lally & Co.， 紐約

「Mostra d'Arte Cinese」，威尼斯總督宮，1954年，圖錄編號50

Jean-Pierre Dubosc，《Mostra d'Arte Cinese》， 威尼斯，1954年，第31頁，編號50

There are several cracks in four corners of the podium, one fine and minor crack in the horn of taotie mask on the podium approx. 1 in. (2.5 cm) long, one crack between the taotie mask and bird motif on the podium approx. 3 in. (7.5 cm) long and minor cracks on each handle where it joins the body. There are some overpaintings covering the cracks. The condition is consistent with its age. Under x ray examination there are five chaplets to the base. There are some hardened earth inside the podium and on the base.
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.

方座簋起源於商末周初將青銅禮器置於台座上的習俗，是一種地位崇高的盛食器。西周早期最重要的兩件青銅器皿，《天亡簋》和《利簋》皆為方座簋的器形。本件《作寶彝簋》藝術表現力獨特，其方座上的獸面被安排在四角，展現出三維立體的視覺效果。在已知的方座簋中，採取這種構圖方式的僅有四件，其中一件是於1993年6月8日在倫敦蘇富比拍出的《伯矩簋》(lot.119)。《伯矩簋》出自晚清著名收藏家潘祖蔭舊藏，後由上海古玩行金才記於1946年售與一位歐洲藏家。值得一提的是《作寶彝簋》也是經由金才記，在1948年售與希臘駐華大使H.E. Alexandres J. Argropoulos的。潘氏藏器目中錄有一件《作寶彝簋》，不知是否為本件器物。