AN ARCHAIC BRONZE RITUAL WINE VESSEL (GU) SHANG DYNASTY

of elegant waisted form, the trumpet neck finely cast with four narrow blades decorated with elongated, inverted taotie masks against an intricate leiwen ground, above a band of kui dragons, the central section similarly cast with symmetrical taotie masks centered on notched flanges, the splayed foot with similar conforming decoration below a double ringed band with cruciform apertures, the pale silvery green patina with some brown, green and blue encrustation

The flared part of the mouth broken into several pieces which were reattached and restored at a later date.
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.

The long slender form of this gu exemplifies the later form of this vessel type commonly found in the middle to late phase of the Shang dynasty. The addition of flanges to the foot and middle section is an alteration that underlines the architectural quality of this shape. For related examples, compare Robert W. Bagley, Shang Ritual Bronzes in the Arthur M. Sackler Collections, Washington, 1987, pp. 240-250, cat. nos. 32-35.