AN ARCHAIC BRONZE RITUAL VESSEL (GU) LATE SHANG / WESTERN ZHOU DYNASTY

the slender vessel with a widely flared mouth, the central part divided by a pair of raised rings and decorated with stylized taotie masks with raised eyes centered on and divided by flanges, all against a ground of finely detailed leiwen, the bronze with areas of malachite patination, wood stand (2) 

Please note the additional provenance: Cranbrook Academy of Art, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Collection of Robert Dinolt, Putnam, Connecticut. Rare Art, Inc., New York (until 1981). In good overall condition with nice malachite encrustation and very crisp casting. Inspected under UV light which revealed no fluorescence.
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.