The absence of a condition report does not imply that a lot is in perfect condition. Please contact us to let us know which lots are of interest, so we can make the requested reports for you.Once complete, they will be published on our website.High resolution pictures are already available on our website at www.rm-auctions.com.L.: 26 cm - H.: 22 cm  Provenance: The collection of William Rogers, Australia.  This unusual vessel has been given a variety of names, including gui, ding, gui ding, and dui. Since the recent discovery of such vessels bearing inscriptions in which they are termed 'zhan' (see Li Xuqin 1991, 'Chu Bronzes and Chu Culture.' In New Perspectives on Chu Culture During the Eastern Zhou Period, pp. 11-12, fig. 14, Ed. Thomas Lawton; see also Li Ling 1991, "On the Typology of Chu Bronzes." Translated and edited by Lothar von Falkenhausen. Beitrage zur Allgemeinen und Vergleichenden Archaologie, Vol. 11 (1991), pp. 57-113). It seems that the shape was developed in central and southern Henan workshops during the seventh century BC, and became especially favored in regions under Chu influence during the late seventh and early sixth centuries BC. Its close connection with Chu or Chu-related sites and vessel assemblages suggests that the zhan held special meaning in Chu culture or ritual practices (see Liu Binhui 1985, 'Chu guo qingtong liqi chubu yanjiu.' In Zhongguo kaogu xuehui di sici nianhui lunwen ji, pp. 108-122. Beijing: Wenwu Chubanshe).