L0t 114. A rare gilt-flecked bronze tripod censer and stand, 17th-18th century; 7 1/8in (18cm) diameter, 13.5lbs (6.12kg). Estimate: 10,000-12,000 USD. Sold for US$ 27,500 (€ 23,526). © Bonhams 2001-2018

Heavily cast with a compressed globular body surmounted by a short neck encircled with a narrow channel and a broad lipped rim, all supported on three short tubular waisted feet, the base cast with an apocryphal four-character Xuande seal mark within a recessed rectangle, the stand cast to resemble a mallow flower with overlapping petals supported on three ruyi-form feet, the surfaces highlighted with gold speckles.

Note: Censers with this type of bright flecked golden tone are rare. A similar example without its original stand, dated Late Ming/Early Qing dynasty from the Water, Pine and Stone Retreat Collection was sold at Sotheby's, Hong Kong, 8 April 2013, lot 130.

Other similar examples have sold at Sotheby's, London, 12 March 1982, lot 141; and Christie's, London, 14 to 16 December 1988, lot 330.