Lot 1041. A rare large archaistic gold and silver-inlaid bronze 'Champion vase', Ming dynasty (1368-1644); 15 3/8 in. (39 cm.) high.Estimate USD 40,000 - USD 60,000. Price realised USD 100,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2014 

The vase is in the shape of two large cylinders cast around the sides with two registers of densely packed angular scroll pattern separated by a raised horizontal band. The two cylinders are joined at the bottom by a mythical beast inlaid with gold and silver decoration, its front and back legs braced to the sides, as a phoenix with spread wings stands on its head and a dragon with spread wings stands on its bifurcated tail on the reverse. There are areas of dark green 'malachite' patination.

Provenance: Heber Reginald Bishop (1840-1902).
James Cunningham Bishop (1870-1932).
Mary Cunningham Bishop Peabody (1893-1980).
James Bishop Peabody (1922-1977), and thence by descent to the present owner.

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, New York, 18 - 19 September 2014