AN ARCHAIC BRONZE RITUAL WINE VESSEL AND COVER (YOU) LATE SHANG DYNASTY, 12TH / 11TH CENTURY BC

the body of oval section cast on each side with a large taotie mask in low relief on a plain ground, raised on a splayed pedestal foot and decorated on the shoulder with a frieze of confronted kui dragons centered on a small animal mask on either side, with a loop on each end fitted with a rope-twist swing handle, the domed cover cast with a matching frieze of kui dragons surmounted with a bud-shaped knop, the interior of cover and base cast with an identical pictogram, the bronze patinated to a smooth pale green tone with smooth gray areas (2)

Property of a New Jersey Collector.
Sotheby Park Bernet, Inc., New York, 20th March 1976, lot 25.

The patina shows an area of matte light gray tone that extends from one side across the body and around the foot of both sides and disguises an old restoration as it partly covers a hairline crack visible on the inside which extends across the base and up into the side of the vessel. There piece may have been broken into several pieces and put back together at a later stage as the bright green even patina on the inside of the vessel and cover suggest.
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.