The unusual decoration on the censer was inspired by archaic jades, rather than bronzes, as is usually the case. Another large hexagonal vase from the Yuanmingyuan with similar suspended bi-discs, latterly from the Kitson Collection, was sold at Sotheby's London, 30 May 1961, lot 401. Other similar cloisonné enamel tripod censers include one illustrated by W. Watson, Style in the Arts of China, London, 1974, no. 136; and another sold in our London Rooms, 6 December 1993, lot 171.