宋 銅饕餮紋鋪首耳方壺

the pear-shaped body rising from a slightly splayed foot to a waisted neck and flared mouthrim, the four sides similarly cast in low relief with four registers, the first detailed with a leiwen ground, the second with archaistic stylised kui dragons, the third with a taotie mask against a leiwen ground, the last with a broad leiwen band, flanked by a pair of prominently cast taotie mask loop handles, the foot bordered with a leiwen band

There are tiny dents and nicks to the rim and foot, but overall 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."

This is a particularly striking example of a Song dynasty antiquarian bronze. The finesse of casting and the careful avoidance of the overlapping of moulds suggests a Song period date, in contrast to bronze vases of Yuan dynasty, where it is relatively common to see overlapping occur.