Lot 470. An archaic bronze ritual wine vessel and cover, hu, Han Dynasty; 37cm (14 1/2in) high. Estimate £1,000 - £1,500. Sold for £ 2,550 (€ 2,975). © Bonhams

The pear-shaped vessel rising from a flaring foot to a waisted neck and flaring mouth, the body encircled by three bands cast in relief, a smiliar band encircling the mouth, the shoulder flanked by a pair of taotie masks suspending loose rings, the round cover with three 'S'-shaped finials, the patina of mottled grey colour with green encrustation

Note: See a similar vessel and cover, Qin dynasty, illustrated by J.Portal, The First Emperor: China's Terracotta Army, London, 2007, fig.52. See also an example lacking a cover unearthed in 1994–1995 from the King's tomb at Shizishan, illustrated in Da Han Chu Wang: Xuzhou Xihan Chu Wan Lingmu Wenwu Jicui, Beijing, 2005, p.190.

Bonhams. Roger Keverne Ltd Moving On (Part II), London, New Bond Street, 7 Jun 2021