Chinese Archaistic Bronze Ding Vessel

9"H x 7"

Archaistic bronze ding, the compressed globular body cast in relief with taotie masks and scrolling bosses divided by raised flanges, below a plain everted rim set with a pair of upright loop handles, raised on three tapering cylindrical legs. Allover verdigris patina with russet patches; the interior and underside plain.

Condition: Good. Allover verdigris patina with pale earthen accretions, heaviest to the rim, handle tops and the recesses of the cast decoration. Scattered losses to the patina revealing russet-brown metal, principally to the underside, lower body and rim, the rim top rubbed to bare metal in places. Overall pitting, with scattered casting pinholes to the interior and underside. A short fissure to the tip of one leg; minor nicks and an irregular edge to one raised boss.