Lot 1230. A large bronze ritual tripod food vessel and cover, ding, Spring and Autumn period, 6th century BC; 13¼ in. (33.7 cm.) high. Estimate 40,000 - USD 60,000. Price realised USD 47,500. © Christie's Images Ltd 2013

The deep, rounded body is raised on three tall cabriole legs and has a pair of angular U-shaped, upright handles flat-cast with leiwen. The sides are flat-cast with a wide band of tight interlaced dragon- scroll pattern separated by a rope-twist border from a similar narrow band and pendent blades filled with taotie masks below. The pattern is also repeated in concentric bands on the domed cover which is set with three rings.

Provenance: Christie's New York, 2 December 2, 1989, lot 26.

Christie's. Fine Chinese Furniture, Archaic Bronzes and Works of Art, New York, 21 - 22 March 2013