A CHINESE ARCHAIC BRONZE RITUAL VESSEL, HE

WESTERN ZHOU DYNASTY C.1100-771 BC

The quatre-lobed body raised on four cylindrical tall legs, the spout set at an angle and cast with scrolls and stylized lappets, the neck with a cast relief band of confronting phoenix, the handle with a buffalo's head, a faint inscription to the interior of the neckrim, 20.5cm.

Provenance: formerly from the collection of Alexandre Nicolaï (1864-1952), of Chateau de Robillard in Saint André de Cubzac, France, and thence by descent. Given as a gift by the Bonie Brothers before 1895, by repute.

Cf. J Rawson, Western Zhou Ritual Bronzes from the Arthur M. Sackler Collections, Volume IIB, pp.670-677 for related he vessels.