Lot 1231. A small bronze ritual tripod food vessel, ding, Late Shang dynasty, 12th-11th century BC; 7 1/8in. (18 cm.) high. Estimate USD 60,000 - USD 80,000. Price realised USD 242,500. © Christie's Images Ltd 2011

The waisted bulbous body cast in low relief with three pairs of dragons separated by flanges and confronted on taotie masks cast in high relief, above a band of pendent blades, each enclosing a cicada reserved on a leiwen ground similar to that of the band above, with a pair of bail handles rising from the flared rim, the cicada blade motif repeated on the three columnar supports, all of the details inlaid in a now blackish material which contrasts against the pale, mottled grey-green patina, box.