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

the deep rounded body cast in low relief with a narrow taotie band comprising three pairs of dragons centered on a shallow horizontal flange, the everted rim set with two loop handles, all supported on three tall slightly tapering cylindrical legs

Private Collector, New York.
Sotheby's New York, 28th November 1964, lot 267.

There are some scattered filled holes on the body. There is a 3/4 in. filled rectangular area under the mouth above the band decoration. The mouthrim under the lip has been over painted. The body has been polished removing the original encrustation. Next to one handle there a 1/4 in. crack. The other handle may have been broken off and restuck back together.
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.