Previously sold in these Rooms, 26 and 27 April 1998, lot 527.

The shape of this vessel is closely related to the form of the archaic bronze ding, such as the one from the tomb of Marquis of Cai, Spring and Autumn Period, excavated in Shou County, Anhui Province, in 1955, illustrated by Ma Chengyuan, Ancient Chinese Bronzes, 1986, pl. 58. The tripod food container varied in shape in different periods and depending on the region; from the Shang dynasty onwards, it typically has a rounded body, three columnar legs and upright flange handle. Lidded ding generally appear later in the Spring and Autumn Period.

The archaistic features of the present lot are not only enhanced by its shape, but also by the carved designs and the apt use of the striated green jade material which successfully emulates the patina of ancient bronzes.

(US$32,000-45,000)