Dr. Wang Tao, Head of Chinese Works of Art at Sotheby's New York, introduces Zuo Ce Hun You, one of the highlights in this coming Asia Week Auction (HUANG WEI)

As part of the Asia Week series of auctions and events, Magnificent Ritual Bronzes – Property from the Collection of Julius Eberhardt will be held by Sotheby's New York on September 17.

The auction will present ten pieces which are among the finest examples of their type to have appeared at auction in recent years, with their sale estimated to bring more than $5 million.

"I have dedicated much of my professional life to the study of historical bronze work, and in over 20 years in the field I have rarely seen a private collection of such quality," said Dr. Wang Tao, Head of Chinese Works of Art at Sotheby's New York. He added that this sale will offer collectors the opportunity to acquire exquisite pieces from the peak of the Chinese Bronze Age.

According to Wang, the sale will be led with a bronze food vessel, Zuo Bao Yi Gui (作宝彝簋), Early Western Zhou Dynasty (1046-771 B.C.). Sitting on a square pedestal, the front and back of the vessel is dominated by large taotie (饕餮) masks while striking bird handles with flamboyant tail flanges are a daring addition to the circular vessel. The most striking feature is that the taotie masks are again placed on the corners of the square pedestal. This exceptionally rare design is only found on only three other known pieces. This Gui (簋) was included in the seminal 1954 Chinese Art Exhibition in Venice. The intricacy of the design and casting of such a fine bronze vessel would have required the most experienced mold makers and bonze casters of the time in order to create a work of such complexity.

Other highlights include two bronze wine vessels entitled Zuo Ce Huan You (作册瞏卣), and Mu Xin Zun (母辛尊), and a selection of bronze wine cups. Zuo Ce Huan You is also from the Early Western Zhou Dynasty. The piece carries a lengthy inscription that records a historic event in the year 978 B.C. when the Court register Huan made this precious ritual vessel to honor the royal consort and to make sacrifice to his ancestors.

(Reporting from New York City)