To compile a collection of Chinese archaic bronzes as comprehensive and varied as that of Barry MacLean is a remarkable feat. It is weapons and tools made of bronze that define the Bronze Age – as against the Stone or the Iron Age – but the repertoire...

Lot 2036. A bronze ritual tripod food vessel, ding, Late Shang-Early Western Zhou dynasty, 12th-11th century BC; 9 5/8 in. (24.5 cm.) high . Estimate USD 80,000 - USD 120,000. Price Realized USD 845,000 . © Christie's Images Ltd 2014. The deep, rounded...

Lot 2072. A large archaic bronze ritual food vessel and cover, ding, Warring States Period, 5th century BC ; 14 11/16 in. (37.2 cm.) high . Estimate HKD 480,000 - HKD 550,000 . Price realised HKD 1,220,000 . © Christie's Images Ltd 2010 The large and...

Lot 1231. A small bronze ritual tripod food vessel, ding, Late Shang dynasty, 12th-11th century BC; 7 1/8in. (18 cm.) high. Estimate USD 60,000 - USD 80,000. Price realised USD 242,500. © Christie's Images Ltd 2011 The waisted bulbous body cast in low...