Lot 153. An archaic bronze ritual wine vessel (gu), Late Shang Dynasty, 13th - 11th century BC. Height 11 1/4 in., 28.5 cm. Estimate 15,000 — 20,000 USD. Lot sold 15,000 USD. Photo Sotheby's

the tall slender form crisply cast, the trumpet neck with four narrow triangular blades enclosing two rows of angular scrolls within a band of small, fine leiwen with symmetrical taotie masks centered on notched flanges, the splayed foot with similar conforming decorations below a pair of bowstrings with cruciform apertures, the pale silvery green patina with light encrustation, wood stand (2).

Property from The Estate of Dr. and Mrs. Richard Eckhardt.

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