China, 18th-19th century. Finely modeled with a pear-shaped body supported on a short foot and rising to a narrow neck with a flared rim, the sides with two well-cast gilt clambering chilong with furcated tails, the base cast with a two-character studio mark.

Inscriptions: To the base, 'Hong Zhai'.

Provenance: From the estate of Phillip Allen (1938-2022), who was a widely respected collector and expert of Chinese ceramics and works of art as well as a director of the Oriental Ceramic Society for many years. He co-authored and edited several exhibition catalogues for the OCS and was best known as the cataloguer of the Sir Victor Sassoon collection of Chinese ivories in the British Museum.
Condition: Good condition with minor wear and casting flaws, small nicks, light scratches. The bronze is covered in a rich, naturally grown, dark patina with small areas of malachite encrustation.

Weight: 219.1 g
Dimensions: Height 8.4 cm

Auction result comparison:
Type: Near identical
Auction: Bonhams London, 7 September 2011, lot 67
Estimate: GBP 2,000 or approx. EUR 3,700 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A small bronze vase of yuhuchun form with trumpet neck
Expert remark: Compare the near identical form, manner of casting and gilding, and clambering chilong. Note the size (9 cm).