3 - [INCENSE CULTURE] CHINESE BRONZE 'ZHONG' INCENSE-TOOL VASE

[INCENSE CULTURE] CHINESE BRONZE 'ZHONG' INCENSE-TOOL VASE MING DYNASTY 明 銅鑄亭台樓閣紋及'中'字雙螭龍耳香筒瓶of slightly tapered cylindrical form, the exterior cast in high relief with small figures and pavilions in mountainous landscape, inscribed with a ‘Zhong' character on one side, the flanged lip set with opposing chilong dragon-form handles,the vase supported on three legs standing on a flat round base with balusters and lotus all around 22cm high; 1288g Private English collection, acquired from Robert McPherson (R & G McPherson Antiques) on 25 April 2008, with original invoice no.5435, with paper label.英格蘭私人收藏，2008年4月25日購自R & G McPherson Antiques，附原始發票（編號5435）及紙標籤。 A closely comparable Ming dynasty bronze incense-tool vase is in the collection of Musée Cernuschi, inventory no. M.C. 1049. Another similar bronze vase decorated with immortals in high relief, also dated to the Ming dynasty, is in theMuseum für Ostasiatische Kunst, Köln,Sammlung Dieter und Christel Schürzeberg, C 2018,455. Also compare to a related bronze 'Eight Daoist Immortals' incense-tool vase, cast in open-work, Ming dynasty, 16th century, previously Michael Goedhuis's collection, sold at Bonham's London, 17 May 2023, lot 363. A further comparable square incense stick holder was sold at Sotheby’s New York, 21 March 2015, lot 773.