Lot Essay
For similar examples, dated to the 13th century BC, see Robert W. Bagley, Shang Ritual Bronzes in the Arthur M. Sackler Collections, vol.1, 1987, pp.216-227, figs.25, 25.1-6, 26, 27 and 28.
SHANG DYNASTY
Details
AN ARCHAIC BRONZE BEAKER VASE, GU
shang dynasty
Thinly cast with the wide flaring upper section undecorated but for two narrow raised bands just above the slightly bulbous central section with a dense leiwen scroll ground divided by taotie, the spreading foot with a similar densely-scrolling ground, the bronze with some malachite and cuprite encrustation, small rim chips
10in. (25.3cm.) high
shang dynasty
Thinly cast with the wide flaring upper section undecorated but for two narrow raised bands just above the slightly bulbous central section with a dense leiwen scroll ground divided by taotie, the spreading foot with a similar densely-scrolling ground, the bronze with some malachite and cuprite encrustation, small rim chips
10in. (25.3cm.) high