A massive parcel-gilt archaistic tripod censer, liding - 17th/18th century

Standing on three cylindrical legs rising to the rounded sides divided into three lobes framed by ridges below a bow string under the galleried rim surmounted by a pair of loop handles, each lobe finely cast in relief with a multi-layered taotie mask heightened with gilt and silvered decoration flanked by stylised dragons, all reserved on a leiwen ground, the rim and handles decorated with a silver inlaid key-fret border, the legs with gilt and silver lappet decoration. 34.6cm (13½in) high. Estimate: £14,000 - 16,000

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Bonhams. Fine Chinese Art, 12 May 2008. New Bond Street