Eastern Zhou Dynasty The instrument with a pointed oval section, cast on each side with four horizontal bands, the broad lowest band decorated with low-relief designs depicting taotie masks flanked by stylised dragons patterned in leiwen spirals, the upper three bands each bearing six large hemispherical bosses and divided by a vertical panel, the flat top supporting an elaborate openwork suspension loop cast as a pair of confronted feline mythical beasts with sinuous bodies decorated with swirling leiwen designs, upturned curling tails and long necks, the surface with a grey-green patina and scattered malachite and azurite encrustations. 25.4cm (10in) high.