AN ARCHAISTIC SILVER WINE VESSEL, JUE, SIGNED LU YUANYU QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

the U-shaped body supported on three triangular blade-feet with a pronounced splay, cast with two large taotie masks divided by low vertical flanges on a leiwen ground, below two raised lifting posts decorated with whorl circles, one side set with a loop handle issuing from a mythical animal head, the base inscribed with the four-character seal mark Lu Yuanyu zhi

The overall condition is good with some oxidization as visible in the photo. Each leg whas an approx.1 cm patch to the interior, possible a corrected casting flaw.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Although Lu Yuanyu is not recorded, silver and other metalwork with the caster's signature became popular from the late Ming dynasty, with the trend continuing into the late Qing period. See the works of Hu Wenming and Shisou, both revered for their ability to imitate ancient bronze vessels in both quality and detail. For further reading on archaistic vessels see William Watson, 'Categories of Post-Yuan Decorative Bronzes', Transactions of the Oriental Ceramic Society, 1981-1982, vol. 46, pp. 10-28.

A related Ming period silver jue is published in Zhongguo jin yin boli falanqi quanji, vol. 3, Shijiazhuang, 2004, pl. 280, from the Huaihua City Museum, together with another silver vessel in the form of an archaic ding , pl. 285.