Lot 2033. A small bronze ritual tripod wine vessel, jue, Early Shang dynasty, Erligang period, circa 1600-1500 BC; 5¾ in. (14.5 cm.) high. Estimate USD 10,000 - USD 15,000. Price Realized USD 20,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2014. 

Of lenticular section, the lower body has a rounded profile and a flat bottom raised on three slender blade-shaped supports that have a median ridge and curve slightly outwards at the ends. The mid-section is cast with three bow-string bands on one side and the other side is plain beneath the strap handle. A pair of tiny posts rises from the rim at the back of the long, tapering spout.

Provenance: Senshutey, Tokyo, Japan, September 1998.

Exhibited: Senshutey, Tokyo, Japan, The Collection of Chinese Art: Special Exhibition 'Run through 10 years', Japan, 2006, pl. 19.

Note: The shape, decoration and construction of this jue are similar to another of Erligang date illustrated in Shang Ritual Bronzes in the National Palace Museum Collection, Taiwan, 1998, pp. 116-17, no. 1.

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, New York, 20 - 21 March 2014