AN ARCHAIC BRONZE WINE VESSEL AND COVER, ZHI EARLY WESTERN ZHOU DYNASTY

of pear shape with flaring mouth rim, cast on either side with a band of confronting birds, the pedestal foot encircled by two narrow ribs, the cover decorated with a similar band of confronting birds and a loop handle, the dark greyish-black patina with significant malachite encrustation, Japanese wood box

Collection of Yuzo Sugimura (1908-1978), according to inscription on box.

There is a semi-circular area of restoration of the rim to one side (55mm by 15mm) which shows on the x-ray as a restored break (in two pieces). There is also an 8mm long chip to the footrim and minor nicks to the rim and to the rim of the cover. There is a heavy build up of malachite encrustations in numerous areas across the surface of the bronze.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The inscription inside the cover and on the interior of this vessel may be translated as:

Biao Su made this sacrificial vessel.

A zhi cast with a similar band of confronting birds over an undecorated ground, but lacking the cover, attributed through its inscription to the reign of King Cheng (c. 1042/35-1006 BC), in the Shanghai Museum, Shanghai, is illustrated in Ma Chengyuan, Ancient Chinese Bronzes, Oxford, 1986, pl. 36. See also a zhi decorated with birds over a leiwen ground, sold in these rooms, 13^th/14^th November 1972, lot 236; and another sold at Christie’s London, 10^th June 1974, lot 166.