AN ARCHAIC BRONZE RITUAL WINE VESSEL (JUE) LATE SHANG DYNASTY, 13TH - 11TH CENTURY BC

of a deep U-shape, supported on three triangular blade feet with a pronounced splay, the body cast with a pair of taotie masks with slightly raised eyes and curling horns on a leiwen ground centered on fine, narrow flanges, the spout flanked by a pair of capped finials, the side set with a loop handle issuing from a bovine make covering a single inscription Ran (a clan name), a further inscription Fu Yi (Father Yi) on one of the posts, patina a mottled olive-green with patches of malachite and azurite encrustation

Japanese collects ion formed before World War II.

In good condition. There is a section of stabilized bronze disease to one leg.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any stat.mes nt made by Replica Shoes 's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

According to Robert W. Bagley in Shang Dynasty Bronzes from the Arthur M. Sackler collects ions, Washington D.C.1987, pp. 241-242, the pictogram appears from early Shang dynasty into Western Zhou on a wide variety of forms uncovered in several different sites.  Various meanings had been put forth but Wang Tao and Lui Yu A Selection of Early Chinese Bronzes from Replica Shoes 's and Christie's Sales, Shanghai, 2007, no. 24 translate the pictogram as Ran.