Archaic Bronze Chinese Jue Ritual Wine Vessel

Chinese Jue ritual wine vessel of cast bronze, ca. 1200-1000 BC, Late Shang or Early Western Zhou dynasty. Deep U-shaped body rests on three splayed blade-like legs, slightly lopsided. Rim extends into long pouring spout and pointed tail. Two prominent posts rise 23mm from the rim and are capped with parasol-shaped finials which feature radial grooves. Simple loop handle topped with a stylized animal head. Exterior decorated with taotie motif set against finely detailed leiwen (thunder pattern) background. Exterior encircled by a continuous band of 15mm vertical ribs. The vessel retains clear evidence of ancient ceramic piece-mold casting, with visible seams converging on the underside of its belly. Stands 155mm tall and measures 127mm from end of spout to tip of tail.