Lot 1246. A small bronze censer and openwork cover, Han dynasty (206 BC - AD 220); 8¼ in. (21 cm.) high. Estimate 6,000 - USD 8,000. Price realised USD 8,750. © Christie's Images Ltd 2013

The globular bowl is cast with a lower band of cross-hatched pattern, and is raised on a stem foot cast in low relief on top with animals amidst mountains. The domed cover is cast in openwork with cloud scroll below a phoenix standing on a whorl motif bordered by a ribbed band.

Provenance: Kinpei Takeuchi (1873-1960).
Ryuichi Sano (1889-1977), acquired in Tokyo, 1950s.
Sano Art Museum, Mishima, Japan.

Christie's. Fine Chinese Furniture, Archaic Bronzes and Works of Art, New York, 21 - 22 March 2013