Lot 102. Property From A Japanese Private Collection. An Archaic Bronze Wine Vessel and Cover, Zhi, Early Western Zhou Dynasty; 17.6cm., 6 7/8 in. Estimate: 20,000 — 30,000 GBP. Lot sold 68,750 GBP. Photo: Sotheby's.

of pear shape with flaring mouth rim, cast on either side with a band of confronting birds, the pedestal foot encircled by two narrow ribs, the cover decorated with a similar band of confronting birds and a loop handle, the dark greyish-black patina with significant malachite encrustation, Japanese wood box. Quantity: 3

Provenance: Collection of Yuzo Sugimura (1908-1978), according to inscription on box.

Notes: The inscription inside the cover and on the interior of this vessel may be translated as:

Biao Su made this sacrificial vessel.