Rare Chinese Ming cast bronze censer cover. Wanli period. photo courtesy Freeman & Co

Of three parts and of graduating cylindrical form, surmounted with cast coiled dragon finial, over Indian lotus and coiled dragon open-work base, raised on a later associated stand. Cover H: 17 in. Estimate $6,000-8,000

PROVENANCE: Washington D.C Collection

surmounting dragon missing one horn, minor surface wear and dents to base consistent with age and use

Rare Chinese Ming gilt bronze cup. 16-17th century. photo courtesy Freeman & Co

Free-moving butterfly-form handle issues from foliate body worked to show Indian lotus and scrolling band to rim. H: 2 in. Estimate $1,500-2,000

PROVENANCE: Private Collection, Pittsburgh

Unusual Chinese bronze stove model. Ming dynasty or earlier. photo courtesy Freeman & Co

Two-tier rectangular stove, raised on four bracket feet. L: 8 1/2 in. Estimate $1,500-2,000

PROVENANCE: Private Collection, Pittsburgh

Chinese Ming bronze tray. Ming dynasty. photo courtesy Freeman & Co

Shaped square form, molded inscription to interior, raised on lingzhi feet and two character mark to base. D: 5 1/2 in. Estimate $1,000-1,500

PROVENANCE Private Collection, Pittsburgh

Large Chinese bronze Gu form vase. Ming-Qing dynasty. photo courtesy Freeman & Co

Gu form, archaic style lappet bands to neck, over cylindrical base. H: 13 in. Estimate $1,000-1,200

PROVENANCE: Private Collection, Pittsburgh

Chinese bronze beast-form mirror holder. Ming dynasty. photo courtesy Freeman & Co

The recumbent winged beast with craned neck modeled as a mirror or plate stand. L: 8 1/4 in. Estimate $800-1,200

Chinese bronze elephant form censer. Ming dynasty. photo courtesy Freeman & Co

Brown patina, standing form, coiled trunk. L: 7 1/2 in. Estimate $500-800

Chinese bronze joss stick holder. Ming dynasty. photo courtesy Freeman & Co

Typical standing elephant form, with trumpet vase holder surmounting saddle, signs of polychrome decoration. H: 6 in. Estimate $400-600

Samuel T. Freeman & Company. Fine & Decorative Asian Arts. 12 September 2010 www.freemansauction.com