Lot Essay
The inspiration for the shape and decoration of this very rare pair of cloisonné ewers is early bronze prototypes, such as the late Shang dynasty bronze he sold in these rooms, 21 September 2004, lot 149 (Fig. 1). The early bronze and later cloisonné interpretations share a similarly lobed body spreading smoothly upward from the tapering legs, and the lobes are decorated with large taotie masks. The similarities can also be seen in the handles and placement and shape of the spout. On the domed covers of the present ewers the domed-cap finial has been replaced by a lotus bud.