Inscription on the vessel.

According to records, the “Min” Fanglei was discovered in 1922 by a farmer, who brought the object to the attention of two collectors. The vessel and lid were separated when the collectors competed on the purchase.

The lid was acquired by the Hunan Provincial Museum in 1956. The vessel, however, changed hands between some of the most important dealers and collectors of the early 20th century, including A.W. Bahr, C.F. Yau and C.T. Loo, according to the Christie’s release.

Fangleis originated in the late Shang Dynasty and were popular during the Western Zhou Dynasty to the Spring and Autumn Period. They were used as wine and ritual vessels.

This massive size of the “Min” Fanglei, according to Christie’s, “distinguishes this extraordinary work as one of the foremost examples of its kind. With its combination of powerful proportions, and superb casting, this exceptional bronze ritual wine vessel represents a defining masterpiece, not only of Chinese art, but also within the context of global art history”.

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