An Archaistic Bronze Censer

With a pair of animal mask handles

The rounded body with a band of Taotie masks facing central flanges

The neck with animal masks flanked by a pair of Kui Dragons

On a ring punched ground

Base with a four character mark ‘Hu Wenming Zhi’ mark

China L Ming 17thC

Height; 8.5 cm

Weight; 598 gm

Condition; excellent patina, very slight depression in rim

Hu Wenming was a famous metal worker towards the end of the Ming period whose mark was often copied

Provenance; the exhibition ‘The Art of Scent’ Littleton and Hennessy, November 2010. No 19