A Fine and Rare Chinese Archaic Bronze Inscribed Gui

A Fine and Rare Chinese Archaic Bronze Inscribed Gui, Western Zhou Dynasty, c.1100-771 BC, 26cm wide, 13.6cm high. The gui, or ritual food vessel, with a rich surface patina. The deep basin with an elegant S-form profile supported on a tall sloping foot, the body with two C-shaped handles cast with animal masks at the tops with protruding eyes and wide noses above large hooked pendants. Below the lip is a narrow frieze cast with mythical birds on a leiwen ground, and with two animal heads cast in relief. The foot cast with a band of similar stylized motifs, the base with circular design in thread relief and the interior with a five character inscription, bo zuo bao zun yi (Marquise made this precious sacrificial vessel). Provenance The Hon. Mrs Mary Anna Marten OBE, Crichel House, Dorset. Purchased from John Sparks Ltd, 128 Mount Street, 8th June 1960 for £2,000.