A massive documentary archaistic ritual bronze incense burner, FangDing
Qianlong, dated by inscription to the 41st year of the reign Qianlong corresponding to 1776 and of the period
Of rectangular form, cast on each side with a taotie mask in low relief, with stylised body and claw motifs on the sides, against the thunder patterns, centred with flanges, below a narrow register of low relief chilong scroll, the four vertical faces with pronounced square flanges terminating in points at the corners, under the lipped rim surmounted by a pair of loop handles, all supported on four tall dragon legs, wood cover. 66cm (26in) high. (2).