Lot 338. A large parcel-gilt bronze tripod censer and cover, Ming dynasty, 16th century; 26 in. (66 cm.) high. Estimate USD 25,000 - USD 35,000. Price realised USD 133,000. © Christie's Image Ltd 2008.

The bulbous body raised on three cabriole and lion mask supports, cast around the sides with cranes flanking shou characters alternating with wan emblems positioned abovelingzhi sprigs rising from a rock and wave border, with further shou characters below each of the curved upright handles, with a band of bosses between diaper borders on the neck and classic scroll encircling the side of the everted rim, the copper cover with three rounded, stepped registers, the lowest pierced with the Eight Trigrams, the middle withwan emblems and the upper with cash symbols, all below a bud-form finial, traces of gilding overall.