Lot 1 , A Chinese archaic bronze ritual wine vessel, Gu, late Shang dynasty, 12th-11th century B.C., probably Anyang, 21.5cm high

A Chinese archaic bronze ritual wine vessel, Gu, late Shang dynasty, 12th-11th century B.C., probably Anyang, cast in relief with two bands of taotie masks, between bowstring bands, bas-relief cast single character pictographic mark to interior of base, olive-brown patina with thin malachite green and cuprite encrustation, 21.5cm high
Estimate £3,000-5,000


Provenance: Christie's, King Street , 22nd January 1968 sale, Lot 163, described in the catalogue as 'A small early bronze Ku, cast in low relief with bands of decadent loose Tao-t'ieh masks under a mottled grey, green and brown patina-8.5in. (21.5cm) high-probably late Chou dynasty.'

Literature:
The shallow style of casting of the taotie masks devoid of leiwen decoration on this Gu, is similar to a ritual bronze wine cup, Zhi, in the Freer Gallery of Art at the Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C., Accession No. F1938.6a-b which is dated to the Middle or Late Anyang period (12th-11th century B.C.)

Provenance: the estate of the late Jean-Claude Jean-Claude (1926-2016).

Jean-Claude Lepileur was a man of great learning. Born in Lisieux in France, he became a buyer and seller of antiques and formed a partnership with Mrs Senta Christian in a joint antiques venture, travelling to and from England from their early base in Deauville in Normandy. Mr Lepileur was a self-taught historian, chemist and restorer, with a particular love of all things Asian, especially pieces of art from China. And more specifically ancient Chinese bronze artefacts, which he collected avidly all his life.

Mr Lepileur and Mrs Christian moved their business to Finchley in London in the 1950s and they continued to operate as a partnership until 1996, when Mrs Christian passed away. Jean-Claude had a very discerning eye for art and at one point even managed to identify two original Rembrandt sketches for sale on a stall on Portobello Market and was able to purchase them for a few pounds. They were later fully authenticated by the Victoria and Albert Museum. Mr Lepileur was also a frequent visitor to the British Museum in those days as he was always keen to compare his latest Chinese bronze acquisitions with those in the collection of the museum. During his life he amassed a collection of some eighty bronzes and a number of ceramics, pictures and scrolls. He also collected over 60 reference books, many of them very detailed, which he used to assist him with his research. Mr Lepileur was still buying and selling up until his death in December last year, aged 90.

The collection is presented complete, with no omissions and is a great tribute to his skill in identifying, researching and collecting some wonderful pieces of Chinese art.


Descriptions provided in both printed and on-line catalogue formats do not include condition reports. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Interested bidders are strongly encouraged to request a condition report on any lots upon which they intend to bid, prior to placing a bid. All transactions are governed by Gorringes Conditions of Sale.

Sold for £3,200