明十七世紀 局部鎏金銅饕餮紋觚 （傳）胡文明製

based on the archaic bronze vessel, the waisted cylindrical body rising from the splayed base to a tall trumpet neck, the body set with two rows of vertical flanges inlaid in silver with a frieze of key-fret repeated around the mouth rim, the neck collared with blade shaped lappets containing a deconstructed taotie mask and cicada, the bulging central section and foot surrounded by formalized taotie masks between two bands of kui dragons, all reserved on a finely detailed diaper ground, the bronze well patinated to a dark-brown colour   

《Special Exhibition for the International Asian Antiques Fair》，香港，1984年

Gerard Tsang 及 Hugh Moss，〈Chinese Metalwork of the Hu Wenming Group〉，《Handbook, International Asian Antiques Fair》，香港，1984年，頁56，圖31

There is some expected tarnishing to the alloy and wear to the gilding, some dents and minor pitting in areas. Some nibbling to the mouth rim and dents to the foot ring. There is some malachite encrustation on the inside, but generally the vessel is in quite good condition.
"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."

After archaic ritual wine vessels known as gu, the present vase was created for the scholar's studio. In its material, solid casting and complex surface decoration it may be attributed to the work of the late Ming master metalworker Hu Wenming. Hu's cast vessels are among the finest with the present piece is especially noteworthy for its pleasing proportions and inspirational decorative pattern that skilfully combines archaistic and contemporary design elements. Another gu-shape vase signed by Hu is illustrated in Gerard Tsang and Hugh Moss in Arts from the Scholar's Studio, Hong Kong, 1986, p. 246, pl. 237, where the authors note that vessels of this type were made primarily as an art object used for holding flowers or 'such other trappings as a branch of coral, peacock feathers, an inspiringly shaped piece of wood or anything the scholar might chose to put into it.'
 
For a detailed discussion of Hu's work see the notes to lot 118 in this catalogue. Further gu beaker vases from Hu's workshop, mostly signed by him, are illustrated in Gerard Tsang and Hugh Moss, 'Chinese Metalwork of the Hu Wenming Group', Handbook, International Asian Antiques Fair, Hong Kong, 1984, pp. 53-56, figs. 27-30, of which fig. 29 was also included in Arts from the Scholar's Studio, op.cit., cat. no. 237.

Compare also a parcel-gilt cast-copper gu signed by Hu, from the collections of Dr. and Mrs. Peter Plesch and Mary and George Bloch, first sold in these rooms, 27th October 1992, lot 184, and again, 23rd October 2005, lot 127; and another, similarly bearing Hu's seal mark on the base, sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 27th September 1989, lot 1556.