A fine grayish-white jade incense burner and cover, Late 18th-19th century. Photo Bonhams.

Rising from a splayed foot, the semi-globular vessel crisply carved to the exterior with two opposing archaistic taotie masks against skillfully incised leiwen patterns, with a pair of openwork scroll handles surmounted by bird heads, the domed cover similarly decorated, centered with a flower-head finial; the evenly hued matrix of a pale gray tone, displaying cloud-like inclusions and limited russet fissure veins. 7 1/2in (19cm) wide, 4 1/2in (11.5cm) high. Estimate US$ 50,000 - 70,000 (€36,000 - 51,000)

Provenance: formerly in the collection of Andrew Dole, acquired 1971

Bonhams. FINE CHINESE WORKS OF ART. San Francisco. 17 Dec 2013 - www.bonhams.com