A BRONZE RITUAL WINE VESSEL, GU, SHANG DYNASTY (1600-1100 BC)

A BRONZE RITUAL WINE VESSEL, GU
SHANG DYNASTY (1600-1100 BC)
The trumpet-form neck is cast with four leiwen-filled blades rising from a band of S-shaped serpents. The middle section and spreading foot are cast in high relief with the disconnected parts of a taotie mask reserved on a fine leiwen ground divided by notched flanges, either side of a band of kui dragons. A two-character clan mark, zi mi, is cast inside the foot. The bronze has a mottled milky-green patina.
12 1/8 in. (30.7 cm.) high

Special Notice

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Pre-Lot Text
PROPERTY FROM AN IMPORTANT PRIVATE EUROPEAN COLLECTION