A 'Hu'-shaped bronze vase in archaic style with red-brown patina

Description:

China, 18th cent.
H. 14,3 cm
Small bronze vase in the shape of a hu, with two ring handles on the shoulder. Around the shoulder decorative strips in cast relief with leaping mythical creatures on a leiwen ground, below cicada lancets with taotie masks on a leiwen ground. Beautiful dark brown, shiny patina with reddish spots.
Collection Klaus Nierhoff (1926 - 2011), acquired at Lempertz Köln on 17.6.1984, lot 1070 (invoice and catalogue entry preserved) - Minim. traces of age