The base cast with a four-character Xuande reign mark within a recessed panel, the deep rectangular basin is raised on four short bulbous legs, everted rim with flat edge, two small handles, the bronze has small gold splashes all over the body these were achieved by fire gilding, a process by which gold is applied with mercury and then heated until the mercury evaporates and leaves the gold behind.

4.5 x 6 x 4.25 in.

Private Collection, Virginia

A Chinese gold splashed vessel with four-character Xuande reign mark was sold at Bonham's London, November 7, 2013, lot 251.

Very good condition.

$500 - 1,000