1100-900 BC. Early Western Zhou Dynasty. Bronze cast vessel Gui comprising a broad shelf-like lip, hemispherical bowl, wide loop handles topped with moulded dragons, and a cylindrical base. Just below the rim is a horizontal frieze showing a stylised dragon. At the part of the frieze which lays midway between the two handles is a projecting dragon’s head. The guy is a classic vessel shape in Chinese bronzewares, which originated in the Shang dynasty in the 16th century BC but continued to be made for many centuries thereafter. Dragons, the fifth animal of the Chinese zodiac are a symbol of power, strength and good fortune in Chinese art, and this beautiful object may have once been used during rituals or for dining. A similar item was recently sold at Christies for $100,000, see https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/lot/a-bronze-ritual-food-vessel-gui-early-6276466-details.aspx?from=searchresults&intObjectID=6276466 Excellent condition; beautiful patina; expertly cleaned and conserved. The artefact is fully authenticated with an XRF analysis by an independent Belgian laboratory. All samples correspond to the metal content of the period specified; no modern trace elements were detected in the patina. Size: L:150mm / W:360mm ; 1.8kg. Provenance: From an old Sumerset collection of Asian Art formed in the 1980s/1990s.