A bronze vessel of 'fang ding' type in archaic style

Description:

China, Ming dynasty
B. 20,5 cm, H. 20,3 cm
Fang-ding type, rectangular body on four round legs. Two handles on the rim on the narrow sides. On all four sides in moulded relief taotie masks above a leiwen ground. Four cast seal characters inside. In form and patina modelled on a bronze from the Shang dynasty.
Collection Klaus Nierhoff (1926 - 2011) acquired before 2007 at Lempertz in Köln, lot 277 (old description preserved) - Partially green patinated