Lot 457. A pair of archaic bronze square vases and covers, fanghu, Han Dynasty; 32cm (12 1/2in) high. Estimate £2,000 - £3,000. Sold for £ 12,750 (€ 14,875). © Bonhams

Each with a faceted baluster body raised on a square flared foot, the sides plain, the shoulder with two relief-cast taotie mask handles suspending loose rings, the conical covers applied with stylised bird finials at the corners, the brown and milky-green patina with malachite encrustation.

Note: See a related example illustrated in Da Han Chu Wang: Xuzhou Xihan Chu Wan Lingmu Wenwu Jicui, Xuzhou, 2005, p.186; see another example illustrated by Takayasu Higuchi and Minao Hayashi, Ancient Chinese Bronzes in The Sakamoto Collection, Tokyo, 2002, nos.222–224.

Bonhams. Roger Keverne Ltd Moving On (Part II), London, New Bond Street, 7 Jun 2021