Large rectangular copper-alloy incense burner on four solid feet, covered with a golden-brown patina, China, 17th - 18th century It features two horizontal side handles, echoing the typology of fangding (鼎 - square), ritual cauldrons from archaic China that largely inspired the shapes of traditional ritual furniture and incense-burners. The massive, straight-walled body, elevation on four supports and side handles are directly reminiscent of ancient ceremonial bronzes. It is sprinkled on certain parts with gold spots in a technique known as 洒金 (sǎ jīn). The interior features a copper bowl probably forming a lining intended to protect the bronze from heat when used for burning incense. Below, an apocryphal Xuande cast mark. The mark, inscribed in a rectangular cartouche, is surrounded by small inlaid disks in gray metal, possibly the result of a repair. Height: 21.5 cm; 32 x 26 cm; width with handles: 46 cm; opening size: 18 x 24 cm; weight (without copper bowl): 15.85 kg