A rare large archaic bronze steamer, yan. Eastern Zhou Dynasty

Comprising two sections, the lower part shaped as a li vessel supported on three conical feet rising to the globular walls and neck, surmounted by a deep bowl with rounded sides and lipped rim, each part flanked by a pair of mask ring handles and similarly decorated with borders enclosing interlaced dragons consisting of geometric patterns, lappets and a twist-rope pattern, the base of the bowl pierced with radiating slits to allow for steam to rise. 43.9cm (17¼in) high. (2). Sold for £10,800

Provenance: Dick Wang, New York, purchased circa 1999
J. Abraham Cohen Collection, New York

Compare a related yan dated to the late Spring and Autumn Period, excavated in 1988, Shanxi Province, in the Shanxi Province Archaeology Research Centre, illustrated in Zhongguo qingtong qitu ji, Beijing, 2005, p.295.

Bonhams. Fine Chinese Art, 14 May 2009. New Bond Street www.bonhams.com