Lot 1215. A bronze ritual tripod wine vessel, jue, Shang dynasty, 13th-12th century BC; 7 5/8 in. (19.3 cm.) high. Estimate USD 60,000 - USD 80,000. Price realised USD 99,750. © Christie's Images Ltd 2013

Raised on three blade-shaped supports the deep body is cast with two taotie masks separated by narrow flanges and reserved on a leiwen band, below a band of small triangular blades and longer blades on the underside of the spout and tail. One mask is centered on a flange, the other on a two-character inscription cast beneath the curved handle surmounted by a bovine mask. Two posts with rounded caps rise from the rim. The patina is of mottled milky green color, wood stand, Japanese wood box with inscription by Sugimura Yozo (1900-1978).