Lot 5
5
A RARE MINIATURE GILT-SILVER TRIPOD CENSER

TANG DYNASTY, MID 8TH CENTURY

Details
A RARE MINIATURE GILT-SILVER TRIPOD CENSER
Tang Dynasty, Mid 8th Century
Of globular shape, on short cabriole legs, the punch-dotted ground engraved and gilt with two pairs of spotted animals divided by floral medallions and a tiger or leopard attacking a deer, further birds and animals to the lower body and waisted neck, areas of encrustation
26in. (5.2cm.) across

Lot Essay

Vessels of this shape and size in silver are extremely rare. The form is well-known in ceramic of the Tang period, although of much larger size, and also in bronze. A bronze example is illustrated in Ancient Chinese Arts in the Idemitsu Collection, Japan, 1989, Catalogue, col. pl. 329. Another bronze example with a cover, was sold at Sotheby's, London, April 15, 1980, lot 60.