Lot 148. An archaic bronze drinking vessel, gu, Shang Dynasty  (c.1600-1046 BCE). 9 3/4 in., 24.7 cm. Estimate 10,000 — 15,000 USD. Lot sold 9,600 USD. Courtesy Sotheby's.

of classic gu form with a wide trumpet mouth tapering to a waisted cylinder with a slightly bulging belly and a flared foot, the belly cast in low relief with two pairs of bosses and a flange forming a taotie mask reserved on a leiwen ground, the foot similarly cast but with a disintegrated mask, the pale green patina with light malachite encrusation.

Note: The design on this gu closely resembles the design on the preceding lot.  Please refer to the note for lot 147.  According to Max Loehr, these designs represent Phase III in the progression of Shang bronze decoration and was produced at Anyang in the 13th century BC.