A GOLD AND SILVER INLAID BRONZE VASE, HU, MING DYNASTY China, 16th - 17th century. Heavily cast, the rim decorated with stylized chilong in relief over an incised leiwen band, the neck and body of the archaistic vessel finely inlaid with dramatic taotie masks surrounded by key fret patterns. Provenance: British private collection. Acquired from Nicholas Pitcher, London. Condition: Excellent condition with a fine dark patina, the base and interior with verdigris, old wear and traces of use, minor firing flaws. Scattered small nicks. Weight: 2,544 g Dimensions: Height 30.8 cm Also note the cicada blades with dragon masks amid scroll patterns and the curved handles in the form of dragons spewing fire. Literature comparison: Compare with a closely related lei, dated to the 16th century, at A & J Speelman, Chinese Works of Art, London 2008, no. 3, p. 12. 錯金銀雙耳壺，明代 中國，十六至十七世紀。壺體沉重，壺唇邊緣一圈雷紋底，上有螭龍紋。頸部和壺身錯金銀饕餮紋。 來源：英國私人收藏。購於倫敦Nicholas Pitcher. 品相：狀況極好，細膩神色包漿，底座和壺内有銅綠，老磨損和使用痕跡，輕微燒製瑕疵。 分散的小刻痕。 重量：2,544 克 尺寸：重量30.8 厘米