Chinese Bronze Figure, Rider on Water Buffalo

large patinated bronze figure with raised gilt floral decoration across surface, robed figure seated on buffalo's back, possible Xuande reign mark to rider's back, approximately 25-1/2 x 27 in. - Provenance: Collection of Russell Chan and Rafael Miranda, Hendersonville, North Carolina
Condition Report: surface dirt layer and accretion, several spots of heavy verdigris, losses to gilt decoration throughout, branch/flute(?) piece possibly associated (does not attach to hands properly, no evidence of breaks on fingers), some scattered holes/losses, especially where figure joins to buffalo's back