宋 / 明初 銅饕餮紋羊首尊

of archaistic zun form, cast with a central protruding section resting on a splayed foot and surmounted by a flaring neck, the neck boldly cast with upright archaistic cicada leaves, the protruding section and foot cast with ferocious taotie masks interrupted by raised horizontal flanges running along the vessel, the bronze patinated to a smooth greenish-brown colour

德國東亞藝術學會，〈Problematik des Archaismus〉，第5期，1993年10月，頁15

There is a prominent dent to the foot. Small chips to the foot. General surface wear and loss to detail on the exterior of the vessel.
"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."

This powerfully cast bronze vessel is a good example of the co-existence of two different concepts of conveying archaism. Here, the more concrete interpretation closely follows the archaic prototype, in contrast to other vessels where there is a free abstract interpretation relying on subtle references to the past to convey antiquity.