西周早期 公元前十一至十世紀 青銅觥

of oval cross-section with a deep ascending spout, set on a slightly splayed foot, the plain body cast with three notched flanges and one loop handle issuing from a bovine head with rounded eyes and scaly horns, the lid cast with a large horned animal head on the front and a taotie mask with buffalo horns on the rear, the top set with a notched flange with an upcurled tail suggesting a kui dragon, a two-character apocryphal inscription inside both the cover and the vessel, the smooth pale green patina with malachite encrustation, fitted wood stand (3)

日本私人收藏，購于1933年以前

The x-ray images reveal that the body of the vessel as well as the cover has been broken into multiple pieces and restored. The surface has been cleaned with enhanced patina and encrustation.
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.

青銅觥為商周青銅器中最罕見的器型之一，存世極少。此器器身為長方，帶豎扉棱；蓋飾犧首和牛角獸面，給人以一種神秘卻不失生動清新之感。