Scientific Analysis Report: A certificate issued by Re. S. Artes on 24 February 2025, no. R 145671A-3, based on the analysis of a sample taken from the backside of the leg which was observed with a scanning electron microscope (SEM), finds that the bronze exhibits natural wear, long-time weathering, and corrosion that penetrates deeply into the metal, which have occurred since the casting and point to an age of over 3000 years, consistent with the dating above. The contents of the alloy do not include any modern elements, further confirming the dating above. A copy of the report accompanies the lot.

Expert’s note: The Tomb of Fu Hao is a major archaeological site located at Yinxu, the ruins of the ancient Shang dynasty capital Yin, within modern-day Anyang in Henan Province, China. Discovered in 1976, the tomb was identified as the final resting place of Queen and military general Fu Hao, who died around 1200 BC. Notably, the site contains the only royal Shang tomb discovered intact, with its contents undisturbed, likely due to its location far from other known burial sites. The tomb contained an extraordinary array of artifacts, including over 200 bronze ritual vessels, among them a set of 40 Jue tripod vessels, several of which closely resemble the present lot (see literature comparison below). Only a portion of these vessels is currently accounted for, as several seem to have disappeared in the initial years following their discovery. Needless to say, countless copies of these vessels exist on the market, yet none would pass a rigorous metallurgy and corrosion analysis like the present lot. We encourage prospective bidders to download and study the detailed report, which describes the process of lead globule migration resulting from long-term weathering—a process that unfolds over millennia and cannot be replicated artificially.

China, c. 1200 BC. The deep body is raised on three gently curved, blade-form feet. The exterior features two bands of stylized confronted beasts, with the lower band forming taotie masks, set beneath a band of triangular blades. Further beasts adorn the underside of the spout, while a plantain leaf motif decorates the flared collar, all rendered against a leiwen ground and separated by C-shaped flanges. A pair of tall posts rise from the rim. A pictographic inscription is cast beneath the handle, which is surmounted by a small bovine mask. Distinct mold seams are visible on the base of the vessel.

Provenance: Swedish trade. Acquired from a private estate.
Condition: Condition commensurate with age. Extensive wear, weathering and corrosion, encrustations, casting irregularities, minor losses, dents, warping. The bronze is entirely coated in an old varnish, beneath which a rich, naturally developed patina with malachite and distinct cuprite encrustations has been preserved. The varnish was likely applied over a century ago, a common practice at the time to protect ancient bronzes.

Weight: 729 g
Dimensions: Height 22.5 cm

Literature comparison:
Compare a closely related bronze jue, excavated in 1976 from the tomb of Fu Hao, now in the National Museum of China.

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