Fu Yun Gei Ming Period Incensor

Description

If you look at the pictures you will see a place where a small amount of gold gilting still remains. At one time this entire insensor was guilted. Through the centuries, by handling and weather it has worn away leaving behind a reddish patina in the bronze surface, a common occurrence when gold is applied over a darker metal(gold is also used in other ways to make the color red). The lions on either side were a hallmark during the Fu Yun Gei period, but not so much after, although other lion forms were.
Another aspect that identifies Ming metalwork is that ultimately the lines of the object are clean and uncluttered.
Finally if you look into the photographs of the inside you can see the corrosion that has eaten into the metal. The most important thing about this form of patina is that it is very irregular and thus cannot be faked.
H 3 1/8"
W 5 3/8"
Opening  4"
Base 2 7/8"
1. Dealer inquiries are encouraged