Lot 1260. A small unusual bronze ritual tripod food vessel and cover, ding, Han dynasty (206 BC-AD 220); 6 in. (15.3 cm.) high. Estimate USD 8,000 - USD 12,000. Price realised USD 17,500. © Christie's Images Ltd 2011.

The deep, rounded body raised on three slender legs and applied with a pair of bird-form handles suspending loose rings, the flat cover with three finials cast as seated birds with curled tails, the three birds functioning as feet when the cover is inverted, with grey and milky green patina, stand. 

Provenance: Acquired in Hong Kong, 14 May 1999.

Note: The meaning of the inscription cast in relief on the base of this vessel, ma bing yi jia xiong li, is unclear, but may be literally translated as, 'horse, sickness, family, hero.'

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art Part I and Part II Including Property from the Arthur M. Sackler Collections, New York, 24 March 2011