A RARE PAIR OF BRONZE RITUAL WINE VESSELS (JUE) LATE SHANG DYNASTY, 12TH-11TH CENTURY BC

each deep U-shaped body supported on three tall, splayed legs of triangular section, decorated around the neck with a narrow frieze of hooked dragon motifs arranged in two confronted pairs, one bisected by a loop handle, beneath a long spout and pointed tail forming the rim and surmounted by a pair of mushroom-shaped finials, a two-character pictogram underneath the handle, reading X (personal name) Ya, a grayish-green-patina with malachite encrustation (2)

Sotheby's London, 9th June 1987, lot 6.
Sotheby's London, 10th November 2004, lot 501.

Wang Tao and Liu Yu, A Selection of Early Chinese Bronzes with Inscriptions from Sotheby's and Christie's Sales, Shanghai, 2005, pl.  266.

One jue has approx. 1/3 of a lower leg replaced, and another leg has been off and re-stuck at the top. The other jue is in overall good condition. Both jue have expected mottled patinas, varying degrees of encrustation, and minor expected nicks.
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.