A Chinese gilt bronze “Dragons” stand, Qing dynasty, 18th/19th century 銅鎏金龍形底座 清 十八或十九世紀

The circular stand modeled in the form of a pair of fierce serpentine open-mouthed five-clawed dragons, each clutching a jewel in the talons of a front leg, well-detailed with crisp scales
L: 9 ¼ in

Footnotes

For related stands, see the example of similar size from the collection of the French diplomat Georges Dubail (1845-1932) and acquired in China prior to 1906, sold Christie's Paris, December 13, 2017, lot 76.  Compare also the stand sold at Sotheby's, Paris, June 22, 2017, lot 230.  It has been suggested that these stands may have been supports for crystal balls.