Lot 1218. A rare pair of bronze ritual wine vessels, jue, late Shang dynasty, 12th-11th century BC; 8½ and 8 3/8 in. (21.5 and 21.2 cm.) high. Estimate USD 40,000 - USD 60,000. Price realised USD 52,500. © Christie's Images Ltd 2013

Each deep body is raised on three blade-shaped supports, and is crisply cast with a narrow band of four oblong 'eyes' reserved on a ground of tapering scrolls that encircles the upper body beneath the loop handle that issues from a bovine head. A pair of reel-capped posts rises from the rim. The bronze has milky green patina and some ferrous encrustation, wood stands, box.

Provenance: Collection of William and Penn Hines.