Lot 998. A bronze ritual tripod food vessel and cover, Ding, Spring and Autumn period, 6th century BC; 9½ in. (24 cm.) across handles. Estimate $20,000 - USD 30,000. Price realised USD 37,500. © Christie's Images Ltd 2014

The deep, rounded body is raised on three tall cabriole legs and has a pair of angular square-shaped, upright handles flat-cast with an S-shaped scroll pattern. The sides are cast with two wide bands of tight interlaced dragon-scroll pattern separated by a rope-twist border. The pattern is repeated in three concentric bands on the flat cover, which are interrupted by three upright dragon finials all below a circular finial. The surface has a mottled brown and milky green patina with some malachite encrustation.. 

Provenance: Acquired in Hong Kong, 22 December 1993.