Lot 14. A rare archaistic parcel-gilt bronze tripod censer, Mark and period of Qianlong (1736-1795). Diameter 5¾ in., 14.6 cm. Lot sold: 163,800 USD (Estimate: 20,000 - 30,000 USD). © Sothebys.

the base cast with a six-character mark within a rectangular cartouche.

Note: This finely cast censer epitomizes the reverence for antiquity during the Qianlong period (1736-95). Similar casting and archaistic designs can be found on another rare gold-splashed vessel, a Qianlong reign-marked 'double phoenix' vase in the Musée Cernuschi, included in the exhibition Bronze de la China impérial des Song aux Qing, Musée Cernuschi, Paris, 2013, cat. no. 49. Compare also a ding-form censer bearing a similar reign mark, sold at Christie's London, 12th November 2001, lot 157.

Sotheby's. A Journey Through China's History. The Dr Wou Kiuan Collection Part 1, New York, 22 March 2022