Lot 86A, A Chinese archaic bronze ritual pouring vessel, Yi, possibly Western Zhou dynasty, 9th-8th century B.C., 28cm long

A Chinese archaic bronze ritual pouring vessel, Yi, possibly Western Zhou dynasty, 9th-8th century B.C., the fluted body cast with a band of interlocking scrolls, applied with a dragon form handle, on four flat zoomorphic feet, 28cm long
Estimate £1,000-1,500


Provenance:
The vendor's family were gifted this vessel more than 70 years ago from a friend who had collected it on their travels in China.

Compare a similar larger ritual bronze pouring vessel sold by Christie's, New York, 'A Selection of Archaic Bronze Vessels from a Private Collection, Washington D.C. Collection', 22 May 2012, Lot 1511.

Literature:
A yi of similar proportions and raised on four similar flat dragon-form legs, (26.5 cm. long) and cast below the rim with a band of stylized dragons as opposed to the angular scroll seen on the current vessel, is in the Shanghai Museum and illustrated in Zhongguo Qingtongqi Quanji – 6 – Xi Zhou (2), Beijing, 1997, p. 143, no. 147, where it is dated late Western Zhou.

We are not sure that this vessel is of Western Zhou dynasty it may well be later, however the provenance in the family goes back more than 70 years, the patina on the exterior of the piece will come off with a thumb nail so may well be later coloured decoration all over, however it is a convincing copy of a period example, with occasional wear and minor dents otherwise in reasonable condition.


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 £4,000