Lot 2039. A very large bronze archaistic vessel, gong, Qing dynasty (1644-1911); 20 in. (51 cm.) high. Estimate USD 8,000 - USD 12,000. Price Realized USD 443,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2014. 

The shape of this unusual, hollow vessel was inspired by late Shang dynasty bronze gong or animal-form zun. The upper body is of rounded ewer shape and cast in high relief on two sides with pairs of confronted phoenixes below an elephant and two birds on the neck, at the back with an elaborate animal-headed handle, and on the front below the spout with a bird standing on the recumbent mythical beast that forms the base. The cover is cast at one end with the head of a bottle- horn dragon and at the other end with an animal mask with upturned snout, box.

Provenance: Senshutey, Tokyo, Japan.

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