Dimensions are 19" tall, 12" wide. The weight is approximately 19 lbs.

The ding is the most important, ancient, ritual bronzeware used for cooking meats. This ding has a very powerful form. It is tall, round, with 2 upright ears, (vertical handles), that attach to the mouth rim and 3 large flanges that jut out from the belly. The walls of the belly are relatively thick divided by 2 elaborate bands of geometric patterns. The upper band with nipple and cloud designs and geometric background. The lower band with taotie-masks and geometric background pattern. The bottom of the ding is shaped like 3 lobes and stand on 3 tapered hollow legs. The inside of the bowl is solid save for 3 open areas where the bronze did not fill completely fill the wax cast. The bronze ding is completely encrusted with malachite green verdigris indicating that this ding must have been buried in a semi-arid environment.

Overall Condition consensus is Very Good condition without any injury or repair. (b8/1)

Important Note:
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A similar Shang Dyn. Ding, but much smaller (only 8" tall) and not so detailed has recently sold at Sotheby's "Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art," March 31, 2005, NY City, NY, USA, session 2, lot #151, for $30,000 USD!

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http://search.sothebys.com/jsps/live/lot/LotDetail.jsp?&live_lot_id=151&sale_number=N08077

Condition: Very Good