商 青銅饕餮紋觶

the pear-shaped body rising from a tall foot to a flaring mouth, cast on each side of the body with a taotie mask, enclosed by registers of confronted kui dragons at the foot and shoulder, with a further taotie band at the neck, all divided by plain flanges, the bronze of a smooth silver-green patina with malachite encrustation, wood stand, two wood boxes (6)

林巳奈夫及樋口隆康，《不言堂 坂本五郎 中国青銅器清賞》，東京，2002年，圖版46

In excellent general condition with the exception of several shallow rim chips and a 0.1 cm chip to the lower flange on one side. Thick malachite encrustation visible to the interior and underside.
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 an almost identical zhi, formerly in the collection of Natanael Wessen and sold at Christie's London, 10th June 1991, lot 1, and two related zhi, together with their covers, in the Freer Gallery of Art, illustrated in John Alexander Pope, The Freer Chinese Bronzes, vol. 1, Washington, 1967, pl. 71; and the Hakutsuru Museum, illustrated in Shizuka Shirakawa, Selected Masterpieces of Hakutsuru Museum, Kobe, 1978, pl. 13.