AN ARCHAISTIC GOLD AND SILVER-INLAID BRONZE VASE, HU MING DYNASTY, 16TH/17TH CENTURY

the broad ovoid body rising from a spreading foot to a waisted neck and everted rim, the shoulders applied with a pair of dragon handles, with a wide band of taotie and two applied animals masks on a leiwen ground, above a wide band of ascending leaves, the foot pierced with serpent-like scrolls

This vase has an area of wear to the patination to the interior of the rim (18cm by 4cm), as well as some build up of malachite encrustation to the same area. There is some wear some areas of staining and ware to the patination on the neck and the shoulder and some malachite encrustation build up to the central taotie band and raised animal masks. There is some wear to the patination to the lower section between the leaves and a 4cm diameter area that is dented or is a casting flaw. There is a repair to the lower body where it meets the foot and there is an area (11cm) of repair to the foot. There is an 8mm long chip/dent to the foot, with associated loss.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

For a later bronze vase of similar taotie and stiff leaves design on a broad ovoid body, but with taller neck and archaistic loop handles, see one sold at Sotheby's New York, 18^th September 2007, lot 99; and another sold at Christie's London, 23^rd April 1979, lot 295. Compare also a vase of related form, but without a high foot and with animal head handles, dated to 1739, sold in these rooms, 15^th January 1973, lot 40.

 

CIRAM thermoluminescence test no. 0508-0A-120R-2, taken from the core of this bronze, confirms the dating.