Brown patina copper alloy gu vase, China, 17th century Form inspired by archaic bronzes, decorated with a wide band chased in light relief with taotie masks and bird motifs known as niǎo wén. Three rings in relief adorn the base and bottom of the neck. The background is decorated with a diamond-patterned fishnet. Height: 24 cm Repair to bottom. Provenance: Knight Frank & Rutley, London, September 14, 1962, lot n°111.