A cast bronze covered tripod vessel ding. Warring States Period

The globular body raised on three cabriole legs and cast with elaborate bands of interlocking zoomorphic patterns of the Liyu type, the everted handles cast with intertwined rope patterns on the sides and a band of recumbent gui dragons at the front and back, the cover elegantly cast with three repeating bands of recumbent zoomorphic dragons set off by three raised and pierced rings, the whole vessel covered by a malachite and cuprite patina, with earthen encrustations to the interior (the cover possibly associated). 9in (22.8cm) high - Sold for $10,200  (Copyright © 2002-2008 Bonhams 1793 Ltd., Images and Text All Rights Reserved) 

Bonhams. Fine Asian Works of Art, 23 Jun 2008. 220 San Bruno Avenue, San Francisco