A COPPER-INLAID BRONZE RITUAL TRIPOD POURING VESSEL, HE, WARRING STATES PERIOD (475-221 BC)

A COPPER-INLAID BRONZE RITUAL TRIPOD POURING VESSEL, HE
WARRING STATES PERIOD (475-221 BC)
The vessel is cast in relief with three bands of confronted birds, the body of one inverted, bordered by narrow, copper-inlaid bands of continuous scrolls, and is supported on three legs, each in the form of a bird with spread wings perched on the shoulders of a crouching humanoid figure. The forequarters of a bird with hinged beak forms the spout on one side opposite its tail projecting from the other side. The cover has a monkey-form finial connected by a chain to the arched handle formed as the body of a feline-like animal.
11 ½ in. (29.1 cm.) long

Provenance

Acquired in Hong Kong, 1991.

PROPERTY FROM AN IMPORTANT PRIVATE ASIAN COLLECTION