Lot 78. A cloisonné enamel 'lotus' twin-handled censer, Ming dynasty, 15th-16th century; 6 5/8 in. (17 cm.) diam. across handles. Estimate GBP 15,000 - GBP 25,000. Price realised GBP 87,500. © Christie's Images Ltd 2020

The censer is decorated with six large lotus heads and scrolling tendrils below a band of leafy flowers. The bulbous body is flanked by two C-shaped handles, each emerging from the mouth of a horned mythical beast, all resting on a circular foot with a band of ruyi-head clouds. The base is incised with a six-character Jingtai mark.

Provenance: Acquired in Germany before 1989.

Christie's. Important Chinese Art, London, 3 November 2020