China, 17th century. The compressed globular body with mythical beast-form loop handles rising from a splayed foot to a slightly everted rim, the sides decorated with inlaid gilt wire depicting qilin, the handles with ruyi-head and spiral decorations, the underside cast with a sinuously coiled dragon. Condition: Excellent condition with minor wear and casting flaws, small nicks and light scratches here and there. Provenance: Estate of Joachim Hinz, a collector from Hamburg, Germany. Weight: 854 g Dimensions: Height 7.8 cm, Width 17.5 cm (handle to handle)