Lot 833. A bronze ritual wine vessel, hu, Western Han dynasty (206 BC-AD 8); 12in (30.5cm) high. Estimate US$ 3,000 - 5,000 (€ 2,700 - 4,500). Courtesy Bonhams.

The rounded baluster-form body rising to a gently waisted neck with a flared galleried mouth, supported on a low pedestal foot ring, the sides of the body encircled by three raised bands, the shoulder set with a pair of opposing taotie masks suspending loose rings, the surfaces with polished ferrous, azurite and malachite encrustation.

Provenance: A New York private collection, acquired prior to 1999 

Bonhams. Fine Chinese Paintings and Works of Art.  New York, 9 September 2019