A mixed metal-inlaid bronze censer and stand. Vietnam, 20th Century

A mixed metal-inlaid bronze censer and stand. Vietnam, 20th Century

Of rectangular section with rounded corners. cloud-decorated handles to the bombé walls raised on four cabriole legs and decorated in a combination of silver and copper damascene combined silver wire inlay featuring flower-filled reserves below opposing auspicious inscriptions in seal script, the separately cast stand decorated en suite and centered with a cut-work xuangxi-character reserve (wear, firing flaws). 12in (30.5cm) long - Estimate: $1,200 - 1,800

Note: the inscription on one side can be read in Chinese characters as "Bao Dai [Nian] Zao", Bao Dai being the last emperor of Vietnam, (reigned as King from 1926-1945 and as Emperor from 1945-1949).

Bonhams. Asian Decorative Art, 9 Sep 2008. 220 San Bruno Avenue, San Francisco. www.bonhams.com