A SMALL CHINESE BRONZE ARCHAISTIC VASE 17TH CENTURY The pear-shaped body with flanges to each side

A SMALL CHINESE BRONZE ARCHAISTIC VASE

17TH CENTURY

The pear-shaped body with flanges to each side, decorated in relief with taotie masks divided by concentric bands and a pair of mythical creatures, all reserved on a key fret ground, the flaring neck with lug handles, 16.3cm.

Provenance: the collection of Jamieson Ritchie. Purchased by Bluett & Sons from Sotheby's, 27th October 1944, lot 69 for £7. The collection of Basil Drewe, purchased from Bluett & Sons, 7th May 1946, for £10:10, and thence by descent.

Cf. R Davids & D Jellinek, Provenance, p.374 for further information about Jamieson Ritchie.