East Asia, China, late Shang to early Zhou Dynasty, ca. 11th to 10th century BCE. A beautiful leaded bronze wine vessel known as a "hu" with a matching lid and ring handle made via the piece-mold casting process. The suspension loops on the body are placed just below low relief stylized faces of the mythical creature known as the taotie. The vessel rests on a ring foot and the lid rests flush within the rim lip. The rondel shaped lid is decorated with swirling vine motifs in low relief around a central ring knob. A rich green patina and mineral deposits encrust the ancient surface, and such a vessel was often part of a burial shrine with other bronze wine storage and serving vessels to accompany the deceased in the afterlife. Size: 4.5" Diameter x 5.5" H (11.4 cm x 14 cm)

Provenance: ex-Nancy and Dr. E.F. Simpson collection, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired from 1970 to 2000

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#172269

Surface abrasions and chips. Softening of taotie faces and cast details. Heavy mineral encrustations and green patina throughout the exterior surface with some areas of the surface visible.