East Asia, China, late Shang to early Zhou Dynasty, ca. 10th to 11th century BCE. A beautiful piece-mold cast leaded bronze wine vessel known as a "hu" with a matching lid and ring handle. The handle attachments on the body are in the form of stylized faces of the mythical creature known as the taotie. The vessel rests on a ring foot, and the underside of the base is marked with a faint character. The bulbous body has a waisted neck and a thick rim that the lid rests flush within, the rondel shaped top 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: 5" Diameter x 6.5" H (12.7 cm x 16.5 cm)

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

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#171881

Missing one ring handle, surface abrasions and chips. Heavy mineral encrustations and green patina throughout the exterior surface with some areas of the surface visible. Softening of taotie faces and cast details. Faint character mark on the base.