A Chinese Gold Inlaid Bronze Urn with Archaic Pattern

Qing dynasty (1644-1912), 17th or 18th century, bronze inlaid with gold highlights, vase has a thick flat rim, elephant handles with loose rings flank the upper body, another elephant head to lower center of vessel, cicada shaped decoration encircles the lower body under a band with key ground and archaic mythical animals, above a thicker band with taotie masks against a key ground, raised on a high foot with diamond grid cast pattern to underside.

12 in.

From the Estate of the late Businessman and Conservationist, Russell M. Leiman, Durham, North Carolina Russell Leiman built a significant portion of his career in Asian financial and corporate markets. Based in the major business centers of Hong Kong and Tokyo in the 1970s and 1980s, he advised and managed operations for global firms entering Asian markets, navigating the region’s diverse regulatory environments and rapidly growing economies. His expertise centered on structuring investments, developing multinational business strategies, and aligning Western corporate objectives with the business culture and market realities of East and Southeast Asia. At 50 years old, he moved his focus from finance to philanthropy, becoming deeply involved with The Nature Conservancy in Asia, where he helped apply private-sector financial models to support conservation initiatives across the region.

Good estate condition; all over surface rubbing and wear with degradation to surface patination; some nicks to foot rim and a small nick to edge of mouth rim.