An especially fine and interesting bronze tripod ritual vessel "Li Ding"
The tri-lobe body decorated with three Taotie masks on an incised leiwen ground, merging into three hollow cylindrical legs. The body tapering at the shoulders to a cylinder neck cast with a broad band of decorative dragons between two rings, with everted rim with two upright loop handles.
Height: 25cm
Style of: Shang (12th – 11th century BC) Antiques Analytics states 'produced in the 20th century' (Sample AA 18-08069)
Similar: D.Deydier, Les Bronzes Chinois, pg.41, pl.22. http://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2013/fine-chinese-ceramics-works-of-art-n09006/lot.18.html. http://www.bonhams.com/auctions/20089/lot/5223. http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/lot/a-small-bronze-ritual-tripod-food-vessel-5348196-details.aspx