A rare large archaic bronze tripod vessel and cover, ding. Spring and Autumn Period
A rare large archaic bronze tripod vessel and cover, ding. Spring and Autumn Period
The globular vessel supported on three legs emerging from the mouth of a horned mythical beast, flanked by a pair of slightly flared rectangular handles, surmounted by the domed cover with a flared circular finial, the body, cover and handles cast with bands comprising rectangular units of interlocked dragons and raised bosses, the body with a lappet band above the feet enclosing taotie masks. 42.5cm (16¾in) wide. (2). Sold for £30,000
Provenance: purchased circa 1999.
Note: Compare related bronze ding vessels attributed to the Spring and Autumn Period, with similar interlocked dragon bands and petal borders, from the Arthur M. Sackler Collection, illustrated by J.F.So, Eastern Zhou Ritual Bronzes from the Arthur M. Sackler Collections, vol.III, New York, 1995, Catalogue nos.11-13.
Bonhams. Fine Chinese Art, 14 May 2009. New Bond Street www.bonhams.com