A Fine Gold-Splashed Bronze Censer. Qing Dynasty, 17th/18th Century

the body of compressed barrel shape supported on three short globular feet, the sides applied with elaborate lion-mask handles, the surface of the bronze with a russet patina with irregular gold splashes, an apocryphal six-character Xuande mark within a rectangular cartouche cast on one side, the base finely engraved to the centre with a feline beast set in a circle  13cm., 5 1/8 in. Estimate 5,000—7,000 GBP

PROVENANCE: From a private European collection. Acquired in London in the 1960s

Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art. 05 Nov 08. London. Photo courtesy Sotheby's. www.sothebys.com