of slender waisted form with a trumpet neck, cast around the central bulb with a pair of stylized taotie masks, each detailed with protuberant eyes and centered by a vertical flange, the splayed foot with a further pair of taotie masks, all against a leiwen ground, divided by a pair of bowstrings interrupted by two cruciform apertures, the surface with areas of malachite encrustation

Collection of Mr. van Goch, acquired in the 1930s.
Polak Works of Art, Amsterdam, 2008.
Collection of Mr. G. Drum, Florida.

The vessel has a restored branching crack from the rim, with the consolidant applied more generally to the surrounding area. The bronze has typical oxidation and has been cleaned to varying degrees (as illustrated). X-ray images are available upon request.
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.