A BRONZE WINE VESSEL (ZUN) MIDDLE WESTERN ZHOU DYNASTY, 10TH-9TH CENTURY BC

of ‘S’-shaped profile, the rounded belly rising from a splayed foot with molded foot ring, surmounted by a wide trumpet-shaped mouth, cast with a narrow frieze above a single bow-string band of two pairs of backward-looking kui dragons with hooked crest and ‘S’-shaped bodies, bisected by two raised animal heads, with malachite green and cuprite reddish encrustation, a lengthy later added inscription to the base of interior

Acquired from Professor Alfred Salmony, 1953.

Under x ray examination the piece is in overall good condition. The inscription is probably later added.
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.

This piece was acquired from Alfred Salmony, the renowned art historian in Far Eastern arts who served as curator of the Cologne Museum of the Far East from 1920 to 1933. In 1934, he immigrated to the U.S. and became the Oriental specialist at the Institute of Fine Arts, New York University. In New York, Dr. Salmony helped C.T. Loo on several catalogues including the ground-breaking Sino-Siberian Art in the Collection of C.T. Loo. This piece is accompanied by an unpublished essay written by Dr. Alfred Salmony, which is available upon request.