AN ARCHAIC BRONZE RITUAL WINE VESSEL (ZUN) LATE SHANG / EARLY WESTERN ZHOU DYNASTY, 11TH CENTURY BC

of tall circular form with a wide trumpet mouth and raised splayed foot, the central bulb cast with a pair of taotie masks on a dense leiwen ground, with raised bosses as eyes and divided by flanges, the foot cast with a similar design of taotie masks, a single pictogram on the interior of the foot, the patina of a warm greenish-brown with areas of green malachite encrustation

Rare Art, New York, 1973.

The zun is in good overall condition with the exception of a slightly mis-shaped foot and rim; slight over-cleaning to the neck resulting in a patchy patination; a 1 x 1.5 cm area of shallow corrosion to the mid point of the neck.
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.