Lot 161. An archaic bronze ritual food vessel and cover (gui), Late Western Zhou Dynasty, 9th-8th century BC. Width 14 in., 35.5 cm. Estimate 5,000 — 7,000 USD. Lot sold 6,875 USD. Photo Sotheby's

of slightly compressed ovoid form, cast with four horizontal ribs below a band of intertwined stylized dragons, a large pair of horned animal masks issuing loop handles with pendent tabs to each side, the design repeated on the domed cover surmounted by an everted ring knob, all resting on a splayed base with three projecting feet, Japanese wood box (3).

Provenance: Japanese Collection formed before World War II.