A GOLD-SPLASHED BRONZE BOMBÉ CENSER, CHINA, 17TH-18TH... Lot n° 86

A GOLD-SPLASHED BRONZE BOMBÉ CENSER, CHINA, 17TH-18TH CENTURY Heavily cast, the compressed globular body supported on a gently spreading foot rising to a wide flaring rim, flanked by two loop handles with pendent tabs, the exterior and base covered with prominent splashes of gilt. Some of these splashes show minuscule gold nugget grains, which have not completely molten away in the firing. The recessed base cast with an apocryphal six-character da Ming Xuande nianzhi within a rectangular reserve. Provenance: From a private collection in the Cotswolds, United Kingdom. Nicholas Pitcher, London, acquired from the above. Condition: Very good condition with minor wear and casting irregularities. Few light scratches. The bronze with a superb, naturally grown honey-brown patina. Weight: 616.3 g Dimensions: Width 12.7 cm (across handles) Auction result comparison:Type: Closely related Auction: Christie’s London, 5 November 2019 Price: GBP 37,500 or approx. EUR 56,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: A gilt-splashed bronze censer, 17th century Expert remark: Compare the closely related form, gilt-splashed decoration, and apocryphal reign mark. Note the size (20 cm). Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Sotheby’s London, 3 November 2021, lot 163 Price: GBP 11,970 or approx. EUR 16,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: A gold-splashed bronze censer, Qing dynasty, 17th century Expert remark: Compare the closely related form, gilt-splashed decoration, and apocryphal reign mark. Note the size (17.1 cm).