AN ARCHAIC BRONZE RITUAL FOOD VESSEL (LI) LATE WESTERN ZHOU DYNASTY, 9TH / 8TH CENTURY BC

of rounded, slightly lobed form resting on three short splayed feet, the sides cast in shallow relief with three large boldly defined confronted dragons centered on crenellated flanges, the flat everted rim undecorated, the bronze smoothly patinated to a light green tone with traces of the black inlay remaining in the recessed areas

Property of Captain and Mrs. Ferris S. N. Luboshez.
Sotheby's London, 29th March 1977, lot 165.

One leg with a crack across the width of the leg which was possibly stabilized in the past. There are several matte grey aread around the exterior of the body whcih may suggest restoration.
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.

Decorated with a shallow design of taotie masks or S-shaped dragons, vessels of this type were discovered in Fufeng, Shaanxi provence. See Jessica Rawson, Western Zhou Ritual Bronzes from the Arthur M. Sackler Collections, vol IIB, Washington, D.C., 1990, pp. 324-333, nos. 28a, 29 and 30.