THE FU DING JUE A BRONZE RITUAL WINE VESSEL LATE SHANG DYNASTY, 13TH-11TH CENTURY BC

the deep ‘U’-shaped body rising from three blade-like legs, decorated in relief with a band of four stylized dragons with raised central eyes and thread-like bodies, reserved on a leiwen ground, interrupted on one side by a loop handle issuing from a bovine head,  the rim set with a pair of posts adorned by mushroom caps with sunken whorl patterns, a three-character inscription underneath the handle, the surface with mottled green patina with light malachite encrustation

Private Japanese collection.

The x-ray images reveal that the tail has been broken off and restored.
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.

The highly stylized dragon motif on this jue vessel shows a departure from the classical taotie motif. Compare a similar jue illustrated by Rong Geng, Yenching Journal of Chinese Studies, Monograph Series No. 17, The Bronzes of Shang and Chou, vol. II, Harvard-Yenching Institute, 1941, Bejing, p. 227, pl. 428; one in the Shanghai Museum, illustrated by Chen Peifen, Xiashangzhou qingtongqi yanjiu (Researches on Bronzes from the Xia Shang and Zhou Dynasties), Shanghai, 2004, vol. 3, pp. 116-117; and one excavated from the Baoji area of Shaanxi province, illustrated in Bronzes of Shang and Zhou Dynasties Unearthed in Shaanxi Province, vol. III, Beijing, 1980, no. 68. The first character of the inscription is a clan sign, depicting a hand holding a knife.

The box for this lot is inscribed with a research note written by Professor Matsumaru Michio, dated 2005.