A RARE BRONZE 'CHAMPION' VASE Ming DynastyA RARE BRONZE 'CHAMPION' VASEMing DynastyComposed of two tubular pedestal vases flanking an eagle with extended wings outstretched across both vases, standing on the head of a bear with outstretched limbs, its hindquarters and bifurcated tail protruding at the bottom on the back below a chilong joining the vases. 16cm (6 1/4in) high.Please note this Lot is to be sold at No Reserve. 本拍品不設底價明 銅英雄雙聯瓶Vases of this form are known as 'champion vases', which refers to the vessel's twin-tubular compartments connected by an eagle (ying) and a bear (xiong), together forming the pun yingxiong 'champion' or 'hero'. In form, the vase was inspired by earlier bronzes, such as the Tang dynasty 'champion' vase depicted in the Xiqing Gujian, 1751, illustrated by M.Wilson, Chinese Jades, London, 2004, p.106, pl.107, which itself draws on Western Han dynasty examples. See a related inlaid gold and silver bronze 'champion' vase, Song to Ming dynasty, illustrated in The Second Bronze Age: Later Chinese Metalwork, London, 1991, no.35.