Lot 1234. A well-cast bronze tripod ritual food vessel, ding, Late Shang dynasty, 12th-11th century BC; 9 in. (23 cm.) high. Estimate USD 100,000 - USD 150,000. Price realised USD 662,500. © Christie's Images Ltd 2011

The deep body raised on three columnar supports cast in intaglio with blades pendent from a scroll band, the sides crisply cast in relief with three taotie masks centered on and separated by prominent notched flanges, reserved on a band of leiwen, all with extensive traces of black inlay, with a pair of bail handles rising from the everted rim, with a clan sign cast below the rim on the interior, and with allover mottled blue-green encrustation.