AN EXTREMELY RARE BRONZE RITUAL VESSEL AND COVER, XING

AN EXTREMELY RARE BRONZE RITUAL VESSEL AND COVER, XING
Yongzheng, cyclically dated to the Gengxu year corresponding to 1730 and of the period
Finely cast, the deep bowl-shaped body supported on three lappet-form feet, with a foliate scroll band incorporating the date and reign mark below the lip reading Da Qing Yongzheng gengxu nian zhi, above a key fret band and wide honeycomb diaper band, interrupted by opposing dragon handles, the top of the domed cover cast with flower-head with overlapping petals radiating leafy vines, surrounded by three upright lappets echoing the feet of the vessel and bands of wan diaper, key fret and foliate scrolls, the exterior surfaces with a rich dark brown patina, the interior a rich orange-gold color.

10 1/8in (25.6cm) high