PROVENANCE: Pineville-Charlotte, North Carolina, private collector, by inheritance. Believed to be purchased from OLIVOTTI BRO'S, 1191 Broadway, New York, N Y. and/or, of 145 Tremont ST. Boston, MA. During 1916-1924. Measurements: Height: 4 7/8" Width: 7 7/8" Antique Chinese gilt bronze tripod censer. Cast in a barrel shaped body, with banded lip, raised upon three cabriole legs, each emerged from a elephant masks. Two elephant heads create handles under the rim, with looped trunk flanked down to the body. The footing protrudes from the bottom of the censer matting to corresponding grooves. Archaistic dragon patterned ribbon ensconced in the midsection of the surface. Gilt applied amidst the geometric intricate dragons and other symbols adorn the outer surface of the vessel in reliefs. Crusted brown-grey patina covers the vessels body. Mark on base, protruding four script characters.