A fine Chinese Warring States bronze hu
China
Warring States
bronze
15.5 in. high

A good Chinese bronze hu with hanging chain, decorated with four finely incised bands of taotie and with further bands of knotted rope on the cover, rim and foot. Three well defined mask and ring handles are applied to the lower half of the body. The patina is reddish brown and pale green in places. Warring States, c. 400-300 BC.

It is obvious from the smooth, attractive patina that this is not a recently excavated piece.