AN ARCHAIC BRONZE RITUAL WINE VESSEL AND COVER (YOU) EARLY WESTERN ZHOU DYNASTY, 10TH CENTURY BC

well-cast of oval section, the slightly compressed pear-shaped body supported on a splayed foot and encircled by a band of pairs of crested birds confronted by taotie masks all on a leiwen ground, the band interrupted on each side by a loop supporting the U-shaped bail handle with bovine-mask terminals cast with further bird motifs and lozenge-shaped bosses, the fitted and domed cover with a matching bird frieze, projecting tabs and hollow oval knop, a smooth gray-green patina with malachite encrustation, the interior of the cover with a five-character inscription X zuo bao zun yi (X made this precious ritual vessel), wood stand, Japanese wood box by Zoroku, wood box (5)

The body is in good condition. The knop of the cover has a small crack running from the rim edge.
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.

Similar you are illustrated by Jessica Rawson, Western Zhou Ritual  Bronzes from the Arthur M. Sackler Collections, vol. IIB, Washington D.C., 1990.  p. 521, no 73 and p. 676, fig. 114.4. There is a related rounder example illustrated  in Bronzes in the Palace Museum, Beijing, 1999. p. 182, no. 170. A very similar you, formerly in the Luff Collection and illustrated in William Watson Ancient Chinese Bronzes, London, 1962.  fig. 24a was sold in these rooms, 7th December 1983, lot 52.  Another closely related vessel from the Collection of the British Rail Pension Fund was sold in our London rooms 12th December, 1989, lot 7.