Xuande (Ming Dynasty, 1426-35), the pierced cover surmounted by a dragons amidst waves, the cauldron-form body with conforming dragon handles flanking stiff leaf decoration over sea creatures, raised on three zoomorphic mask and paw feet, six-character seal mark beneath, on matching shaped circular stand with wave, shell and sea creature decoration, 25cm across handles x 35cm high overall Provenance: Madou Couve de Merville, thence by descent. Sold with old handwritten label, recto "M. Couve de Merville perfume burner golden bronze. Bought in Rochefort s/m, France by Dr. Georges Lidin in charge of Health Service in Saigon and sooner, in Fort de France Martinique. He gave all this to his niece, who gave it to me." Verso "Ta. Min. Hiuen. Te. Nien. Tche de la grande dynastie MIN / Huente (empereur) en l'annee fabrique. Ecrit en Chinois suivent letter 'Fait en l'annee du regne de "Shuen-Te" 1426 a 1436 Mr. L'Abbe Grasland Professor of Seminary has been missionary (Catholic) 20 years in China" Condition: Polishing has stripped patina. Lid somewhat ill-fitting but original. General casting flaws, otherwise appears sound.