Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art

A Chinese hu is a pear-shaped wine vessel with a swollen body flaring into a narrow neck. Author Jenny So documents the evolution of the vessel in Eastern Zhou Ritual Bronzes from the Arthur M. Sackler Collections, vol. III. According to So, hu vessels were made from the end of the 8^th century B.C.E. and disappeared a few centuries later. A bronze ritual wine hu is among the highlights of the upcoming Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art auction, presented by Christie’s. The vessel is raised on a ring foot and has a globular lower body that tapers to a cylindrical neck. Its body and neck are cast with four bands of dense interlocking scrolls. The cover resembles a bird with a raised head and hinged beak. 

Another key lot is a large cast bronze ritual food vessel from the early to mid-6^th century B.C.E. The bronze has an eye-catching mottled grey and blue-green patina. It is flat cast around the sides with two registers of abstract interlaced dragons, all above a frieze of lappets. To view the complete catalog and register to bid online, visit Christie’s.