Lot 1237. A small bronze ritual wine vessel, zhi, Late Shang-early Western Zhou dynasty, 11th century BC; 5¼ in. (13.3 cm.) high. Estimate USD 7,000 - USD 9,000. Price realised USD 10,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2011

Of rounded oval section, the deep body raised on a spreading pedestal foot encircled by a bow-string band, the sides cast in relief on both sides with a taotie mask between single and double bow-string borders, with milky green patina, lucite stand.