AN ARCHAIC BRONZE RITUAL FOOD VESSEL (DING) LATE SHANG / EARLY WESTERN ZHOU DYNASTY, 12TH / 11TH CENTURY BC

the deep rounded body supported on three straight columnar legs, decorated with a single frieze of hooked dragon motifs arranged in two confronted pairs in a wiry form of triple bands, each centered on a vertical flange, with heads forming a taotie mask with prominent eyes, the lipped rim set with a pair of upright handles, the grayish-green patina with some bright green encrustation

The x-ray image suggest that this piece is in overall good condition.
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 narrow frieze of triple bands cast below the neck is one of the most common decorative features on vessels of this type and appears on ding of the late Shang to mid-Western Zhou dynasty, as discussed by Jessica Rawson, Chinese Ritual Bronzes from the Arthur M. Sackler Collections, vol. IIB, Washington D.C., pp. 266-269, cat. no. 14 and figs. 14.2-14.6.