Lot 1251. A bronze ritual tripod food vessel, liding, Late Western Zhou dynasty, 8th century BC; 2½ in. (6.4 cm.) across handles. Estimate USD 10,000 - USD 15,000. Price realised USD 62,500. © Christie's Images Ltd 2011

The compressed body raised on three legs with flat, partially open backs, each leg positioned below a curved flange centering pairs of coiled birds with long tails enclosing an 'eye', all below a short neck and everted rim, with mottled grey and milky green patina, stand.