A RARE AND SMALL BRONZE 'TAOTIE' INCENSE BURNER, DINGSong/Ming DynastyThe globular body raised on three cylindrical legs issuing from ataotie mask, decorated in relief with a band oftaotie masks below the rim, flanked by a pair of upright loop handles, covered in an attractive patina with areas of encrustations.10.2cm (4in) highProvenance: 宋/明 銅仿古饕餮紋鼎During the Song dynasty, there was an immense interest in the past where this period stands out for its fascination with antiquity. The present vessel is a revival of the earlier Shang and Zhou dynasties ritual bronzeding prototype.仿古風氣到了宋朝一代掀起，常見器物在器型或紋飾上仿商周之青銅器，本拍品便是其中一件典型例證。