A BRONZE TRIPOD KETTLE AND COVER (HE) HAN DYNASTY

of compressed globular form, supported on three crouching bear-form feet, the spout in the form of a simplified bird's head with its beak as a hinged cover, set at right angles to a rectangular square section handle hollowed to receive an insert, the circular domed cover attached to the shoulder by a hinge, the patina of light green with patches of darker green encrustation

Sotheby's Hong Kong, 20th-21st May 1980, lot 305.

Under x ray examination there is one old repair and a hole on the side.
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.

A similar he, but with a raised rib encircling the body, is illustrated in Kandai no Bijitsu, no. 193. Compare also the he with ruyi head collar around the rim, from the Mayer Collection, included in the exhibition, 'The Arts of the Han Dynasty', New York, 1961, Catalogue, no. 40; and the he with slightly more elaborate spout illustrated in Eleanor von Erdberg, Chinese Bronzes from the Collection of Chester Dale and Dolly Carter, Switzerland, 1978, no. 41, p. 64.