TWO ARCHAIC BRONZES

TWO ARCHAIC BRONZES
1700-221 BC
The first a Shang dynasty jue cast with a deep U-shaped body rising to a pointed rim opposite a guttered spout flanked by a pair of upright posts, the exterior cast with a taotie band, one side set with a loop handle issuing from a bovine mask, all supported on three splayed triangular blade legs, the patina showing widespread areas of verdigris; the second a Warring States circular cover supporting a curled tiger with an elongated, curved neck clutching a bar in his jaws, the details inlaid with gold and silver.
7in (17.8cm) height of jue
3 1/4in (8.3cm) height of cover (2).