Lot 1002. A bronze ritual wine vessel, hu, Late Spring and Autumn Period, Late 6th century BC; 11½ in. (21.9 cm.) high. Estimate USD 20,000 - USD 30,000. Price realised USD 27,500. © Christie's Images Ltd 2019

The pear-shaped body is finely cast with plain bands alternating with bands of a dense pattern of tiny bosses and angular, interlocking scrolls repeated at the base of the neck below a further decorative band, which is interrupted by loop handles. The low foot is cast to resemble twisted rope.

Provenance: In the United States prior to January 1967.

Note: A similarly decorated bronze hu, dated late 6th century BC, in the Harvard University Art Museums, Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Cambridge, is illustrated by J. So in Eastern Zhou Ritual Bronzes from the Arthur M. Sackler Collections, The Arthur M. Sackler Foundation, 1995, p. 251, fig. 42.2. The Harvard example has small loop handles that are attached to a link handle, and there are small loops suspending rings on the neck.

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, New York, 18 - 19 September 2014