A RARE ARCHAISTIC GOLD AND SILVER-INLAID BRONZE MOONFLASK, BIANHU Song/Ming Dynasty (2)A RARE ARCHAISTIC GOLD AND SILVER-INLAID BRONZE MOONFLASK, BIANHUSong/Ming DynastyOf flattened ovoid shape rising from a spreading foot to a narrow cylindrical neck, the body cast with panels arranged in three bands and divided by raised borders inlaid with silver and gold, each panel with interlaced hooks and scrolls, the shoulders with applied taotie masks suspending loose rings, the neck with pendent lappets, with gold inlay, box. 14cm (5 1/2in) high. (2).Please note this Lot is to be sold at No Reserve. 本拍品不設底價宋/明 銅錯金銀仿古扁壺The present lot was inspired by archaic bronzes from the Han period and earlier, which were in turn inspired by flasks from Central Asia; the raised bands for example, imitating the leather strapwork that carried the flasks. See for example a related bronze bian hu, Warring States, illustrated in Zhongguo qingtongqi quanji, vol.8, Beijing, 1995, pl.143. Such archaic bronzes such as bian hu were collected by the Song emperor Huizong and are recorded in the Xuanhe bogu tu and reproduced in the Qianlong era; see Chongxiu Xuanhe bogu tu, juan 13, no.12.