Lot 145. An archaic bronze ritual wine vessel (gu), Late Shang Dynasty, 13th - 11th century BC. Height 11 1/8 in., 28.2 cm. Estimate 30,000 — 50,000 USD. Lot sold 62,500 USD. Photo Sotheby's

cast with four blades on the trumpet neck, the middle section and splayed foot cast with taotie masks on a leiwen ground divided by four raised flanges, the waisted section at the top of the foot encircled by a pair of bow-string bands interrupted by a T-shaped opening, the surfaces with mottled milky-green patina and scattered areas of malachite encrustation.

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art, New York, 11 september 2012