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

the rounded sides rising to a waisted neck and a flared mouthrim, finely cast in low-relief with a band of zoomorphic designs, with four flanges emphasizing taotie masks, supported on a tall foot, with malachite and cuprite encrustation

Part of the encrustation (visible as bright/glossy green) on the body and base may have been painted on. The foot has large sections of cuprite encrustation, and the exterior with small areas of azurite encrustation. The two-character inscription etched on the interior base later added. 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.

This vessel shape, similar to a gui but without handles and generally called yu, is comparatively rare. Compare a covered yu sold in our London rooms, 13th-14th November 1972, lot 233 and again 27th November 1973, lot 9, and now in the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Washington, illustrated in Jessica Rawson, Western Zhou Ritual Bronzes from the Arthur M. Sackler Collections, Washington, D.C., 1990, pl.60.