AN ARCHAIC BRONZE RITUAL TRIPOD VESSEL AND COVER, DING

AN ARCHAIC BRONZE RITUAL TRIPOD VESSEL AND COVER, DING
Spring and Autumn period
Of deep bowl shape, the rounded sides cast with a band of interlocking dragons divided by a raised fillet from a band of scrolling dragons, a pair of opposing upright loop handles set just below the rim, supported on three waisted legs each surmounted by the mask of a single-horned mythical beast, the low-domed cover cast with a loop finial and loose ring, surrounded by similar decorative bands to the body, and three evenly-spaced recumbent mythical beasts, the surfaces with light encrustation.
9 1/2in (24.2cm) high