Lot 1246. A bronze ritual tripod food vessel, ding, Western Zhou dynasty, 10th century BC; 7 7/8 in. (20 cm.) high. Estimate USD 20,000 - USD 30,000. Price realised USD 662,500. © Christie's Images Ltd 2011

Raised on three narrow blade-form supports, the deep bulbous body cast around the shoulder with three bands of leiwen beneath the slightly everted rim, flanked by a pair of tall bail handles, with milky green malachite encrustation, zitan stand and cover with Yuan dynasty jade finial, box.