A longquan celadon bronze-form tripod censer. Yuan/Early Ming dynasty, 14th/15th century

The compressed globular body raised on four cabriole legs, with a pair of applied D-shaped handles flanking the short neck and joining the shoulder to the edge of the everted rim, covered overall with a glaze of sea-green color, a central aperture in the base surrounded by the remains of a kiln support on the interior and the surrounding unglazed ring on the base burnt orange in the firing; with a Meiji period parcel-gilt pierced cover finely cast and chased with numerous insects amidst flowers and foliage. 6 in. (15.2 cm.) across handles, box - Estimate: $6,000 - $8,000

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art. 17 September 2008. New York, Rockefeller Plaza. www.christies.com