China. The gently rounded body flanked by a pair of stylized kui dragon handles with pendent extensions, the body cast with a band of taotie masks separated by raised flanges against a key-fret ground, above a similarly cast band of S-shaped snakes with ruyi-form heads to the foot. The recessed base with a raised cross-hatched design.

Inscriptions: To the interior, although only partly legible, most likely 'bo zuo yi' (bronze made for the duke).

Provenance: From a private collection in the United Kingdom, and thence by descent in the family.
Condition: Good condition with expected old wear, traces of use, casting flaws, encrustations, small nicks and minute dents, light scratches. The bronze with a smooth, naturally grown, dark patina.

Weight: 830 g
Dimensions: Width 15 cm

Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Sotheby's London, 10 November 2017, lot 365
Price: GBP 18,750 or approx. EUR 30,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A bronze incense burner, gui, Qing dynasty, Qianlong period
Expert remark: Compare the closely related form and manner of casting. Note the related size (16.5 cm) and the inscription to the interior which is possibly identical to the one on the present lot.