A BRONZE RITUAL WINE VESSEL (GU) LATE SHANG DYNASTY, EARLY YINXU PERIOD, 13TH - 12TH CENTURY BC

of slender form with a wide flaring trumpet mouth and tall spreading foot, cast around the central bulb with confronting kui dragons forming taotie masks centered on vertical flanges, all above a plain band pierced with two cruciform apertures, the foot cast with two confronting and two opposing kui dragons on a ground of leiwen scrolls, the base bearing a complex pictogram, the greenish-gray patina with malachite encrustation

Private Collection, New York, prior to 1981.

Michael B. Weisbrod, Inc., New York, Metal, Mud and Minerals, An Exhibition of Chinese Works of Art. December 5-19, 1989.

Michael B. Weisbrod, Inc., New York, Metal, Mud and Minerals, An Exhibition of Chinese Works of Art. 1989, no. 1, p. 16.

The x-ray images reveal that there is a 2 by 1 1/2 in. (5.1 by 3.8 cm) restored patch above the central bulb with associated restored cracks. There is a restored crack running horizontally between the two crosses approximately 2 1/4 in. (5.7 cm).
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.