Shang DynastyThe vessel with a deep U-shaped body rising from three splayed triangular blade legs to a pointed rim opposite a guttered spout flanked by a pair of posts capped with conical 'fire-whorl' medallions, the exterior boldly cast with two taotie masks with bulging eyes separated by flanges, one side set with a loop handle issuing from a bovine mask, a pictogram under the handle. 9.8cm (3 7/8in) high.