Lot 1232. A bronze ritual tripod food vessel, jue, Late Shang dynasty, 12th-11th century BC; 8½ in. (21.6 cm.) high. Estimate USD 25,000 - USD 35,000. Price realised USD 104,500. © Christie's Images Ltd 2011

Raised on three blade-form supports, the deep sides cast with two taotie masks formed by two oblong eyes, scrolls and leiwen compartmentalized within raised borders, one mask centered on the C-scroll handle issuing from a bovine mask and cast beneath with two pictographs, one of the posts rising from the rim with three chevron marks cast below the waisted cap, with mottled milky green patina and some malachite encrustation, stand.