A FINE HU-SHAPED BRONZE VASE WITH GOLD- AND SILVER INLAYS

Description:

China, 18th c.
H. 34,6 cm
With two handles on the shoulder in the form of a rounded dragon. Decorated at the base with two birds facing each other on Leiwen ground, on the body with hanging lancets with dragons on Leiwen ground, above decorative band with powerful taotie mask on a ground of triangular spirals. At the neck pointed lancets, under the rim dragon's keep. Contours partially inlaid in silver threads, details in gold.
From an old German private collection, acquired on 2.6.1981 at Lempertz, Cologne, lot 989
Base plate later fixed again, very minor traces of age