Lot 2038. A bronze ritual tripod wine vessel, jue, Late Shang dynasty, 12th-11th century BC; 7 1/8 in. (18 cm.) high. Estimate USD 20,000 - USD 30,000. Price Realized USD 40,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2014.
The deep body is raised on three blade-shaped supports and has a flat-cast band of two taotie masks with rounded eyes on the sides. One mask is centered by a narrow flange, the other by a blank space beneath the strap handle. A pair of D-shaped posts with conical caps cast with curved scrolls rises from the rim. The surface has a smooth, mottled grey and milky green patina, and some areas of malachite encrustation, Japanese wood box.
Provenance: Private collection, Japan.
Senshutey, Tokyo, Japan, acquired November 1999.
Exhibited: Senshutey, Tokyo, Japan, The Collection of Chinese Art: Special Exhibition 'Run through 10 years', 2006, no. 21.
Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, New York, 20 - 21 March 2014
