A parcel-gilt bronze incense burner, gui. 17th century, Yunjian Hu Wenming zhi mark. Photo Bonhams

The compressed globular body decorated on each side with taotie masks, below the waisted neck with archaistic bird motifs, all reserved on a geometrical diaper ground, flanked by a pair of mythological animal-head handles, all raised on the spreading foot decorated with continuous floral scrolls, the mark incised on a gilt rectangular plaque at the base. 17cm (6¾in) wide. Estimate: £15,000 - 20,000, € 18,000 - 24,000, HK$ 180,000 - 240,000

Bonhams. Chinese & other Asian Works of Art, 29 Feb 2012. London, Knightsbridge www.bonhams.com