A RARE ARCHAIC CARVED BONE FRAGMENT SHANG DYNASTY

of spatula shape, finely carved in low relief on one side with taotie masks against a fine leiwen ground, below a leiwen band and a frieze of scrolls and hooks, surmounted by finely detailed upright blades, the surfaces a well-patinated pale brown color and polished to a soft glow

C. T. Loo, Paris, 1971.

This piece is a fragment and the front is broken off. There is a 1/2 inch chip to the back corner and a 1/4 shallow chip to the other back corner, both visible in the illustration. There is a 1/4 inch and a 1/8 inch chip on the left side. There is a small 1/8 inch chip to the carving in the center towards the front.
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.