Copper-alloy incense burner, China, 19th century With molded decoration of dragons in pursuit of the sacred pearl. Below an apocryphal Xuande mark: 大明宣德 / 六年工部 / 邦左監造 - "(Under the) Great Ming Dynasty, 6th year of Xuande (1431) the Ministry of Works (one of the six imperial ministries, administration responsible in particular for official foundries) supervised / controlled during manufacture by Bang Zuo". This is most likely the name of an officer or workshop manager. Height: 11 cm; width: 16 cm; weight: 1810 g