Eastern Zhou Dynasty Of pear shape and lobed rectangular cross-section and on a spreading base supported on the backs of four horned buffalo, the sides of the waisted neck applied with writhing tiger-like animal handles with large almond-eyes and pointed ears, their bodies with stripes and long curling tails, the bulbous body divided into quarters by stepped relief bands simulating leather strapwork, cast around the exterior in medium relief with zones of densely scrolling abstracted chilong, each centred around an eye, the smooth brown-green patina with areas of malachite encrustation. 68cm (26 3/4in) high.