Lot 1515. A rare bronze tripod ritual wine vessel, jiao, Late Shang dynasty, 11th century BC, 6 5/8 in. (16.7 cm.) high. Estimate USD 50,000 - USD 70,000. Price realised USD 110,500. © Christie's Images Ltd 2012

Raised on three tall curved blade-form legs, the body cast in relief with two taotie masks, one divided by the loop handle, the other divided by a narrow vertical flange, all beneath a band of upright blades at the flared mouth, with an inscription cast on the interior at one side, with greenish patina and some malachite encrustation, stand, Japanese wood box.

Provenance: Private collection, Japan, acquired in the 1920s.