商晚期 公元前十三至十一世紀 青銅饕餮紋爵 銘文： 爻

of a deep U-shape, supported on three splayed blade-form legs, the body cast with a pair of taotie masks against a leiwen ground, the spout flanked by a pair of capped finials, the side set with a loop handle over a single pictograph reading yao, the surface a silvery-green with patches of malachite and ferrous encrustation

Parke-Bernet Galleries, Inc.，紐約，1956年1月4-5日，編號109

From the x-ray, half of the rounded spout from finial to tip with a restored break, two legs with restored breaks and area of restoration with a visible crack under the handle and extending into the lower section. An approximate 1/4 inch section of the handle broken and restored. Expected chips to rims and along legs.
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.

For similar examples of jue inscribed with the same pictograph see Wu Zhenfeng, Shang Zhou Qingtongqi Mingwenji tuxiang jicheng (A Collection of Inscriptions and Images of Shang and Zhou Archaic Bronzes) Vol. 14, Shanghai, 2012, pls 06476 - 06478.