An scarce pink gilt bronze hand warmer and reticulated cover. China, circa 1600.  Photo Czerny's

Quadrangular, slightly rounded shape, complete with handle and domed cover pierced with a lace-like pattern of flower diaper. A four-character maker's mark, Zhang Mingqi zhi (made by Zhang Mingqi), engraved within a square on the base.10x10 cm. Estimate 5000.00 | 6000.00 €

Note: Zhang Mingqi was a bronze crafter in the Ming Dynasty (active 1522-1573). As a leading name in his craft, he was on the same par with Pu Zhongqian in bamboo carving, Jiang Qianli in mother-of-pearl inlay and Shi Dabin in red ware pottery. He specialized in the production of bronze hand warmers with intricate decorations, using high quality material. His signatures often come in the form of "by Zhang Mingqi" or just "Mingqi", and inscribed at the bottom of his warmers.

A similar and same maker's hand warmer sold at Christie's New York, Rockefeller Plaza, 15 September 2011. Lot 918.

Literature: See other examples of the same pattern in "Censers, Incense Burners and Hand Warmers", Wellington Wang Collection, Taipei, 2000

Compare with a hand warmer also marked by Zhang Mingqi in the collection of the San Francisco Asian Art Museum.

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