This 19th century take on an archaic vessel is one of the objects on sale at Hargesheimer in Düsseldorf on December 5.
The form of the 18in (45cm) high bronze incense burner, adorned with floral cloisonné work on a blue ground and with pierced bronze cloud decoration, was inspired by the ding vessel, which takes its name from the Chinese word for tripod. This type of ritual vessel was known in ceramic form as early as the Neolithic Period and was later cast in bronze and was used in ceremonies offering food to the ancestors or as burial gifts.