finely cast of triangular shape with matching relief on both sides and an upturned curly-bracket-form shield rising from the base, spreading across the base of each side a wide taotie mask in high relief over a leiwen ground, five smaller low-relief taotie masks descending along the central axis, with mask-like imagery incised in the adjacent space, pierced in three places, the tortoise shell-colored patina under malachite encrustations

European Private Collection.
Sotheby's London, 10th June 1997, lot 108.
Collection of Bernadette and William M. B. Berger, Denver, Colorado, acquired in 1997.

The blade is slightly bent, curving at the mid-section. There is a broken edge at the top of the blade to the reverse of the bracket-form fitting at the top. The surface with overall wear, minor nicks and dents to the edges and extremities consistent with age.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

A very similar blade from the Hellström collection, now in the Stockholm Museum, is illustrated in Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities Album, 1971, pl. 34; another from the Wannieck collection in Sueji Umehara, Shina-Kodo Seikwa, part III, vol. II, 1933, pl. 84; and a third, still retaining its tang, from the collection of D. David-Weill sold in our London rooms, 29th February, 1972, lot 97.