Lot 1480. A bronze ritual wine vessel, bianhu, Han dynasty, 2nd century BC-AD 2nd century; 11 in. (28 cm.) wide. Estimate 2,000 - USD 4,000. Price realised USD 4,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2013

The flattened oval body is raised on a spreading rectangular foot, and the curve of the sides is accentuated by shallow recessed panels that flank the pair of loops applied to the narrow sides. The slightly domed cover has a deep inner rim and a loop in the center. There is mottled pale olive-brown and milky green encrustation.

Provenance: Warren E. Cox, New York, November 1966.
Arthur M. Sackler Collections, New York.
Else Sackler Collection, and thence by descent within the family.

Note: The bianhu was an innovation of the Eastern Zhou period, introduced around 400 BC, with production continuing into the Han dynasty.

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, New York, 19 - 20 September 2013