An important archaic bronze Ding, late Shang Dynasty 13th-11th century B.C, with upright loop handles, finally cast with a frieze of Gui dragons above three large daodie masks, areas of heavy malachite encrustation Illegible inscription of one or two picto grams on the inside wall. Height 21 cm. Diameter 17 cm. Provenance: The J T Thai collection, New York. Exhibited: Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide, the William Bowmore collection, the fine Art of Giving; 90 Masterpieces, 2nd November 1999-1st April 2000. See, the Freer Chinese Bronzes, Vol 1, the Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC, 1967, cat no No. 28, p 160-163, for a similar Ding; Also a similar example was sold in Christies Ny, 17/9/2008, lot 225