A RARE GOLD AND SILVER-INLAID BRONZE 'CHAMPION' VASE Song/Ming DynastyA RARE GOLD AND SILVER-INLAID BRONZE 'CHAMPION' VASESong/Ming DynastyExquisitely cast with two tubular pedestal vases decorated with archaistic scrolls, flanking an eagle holding a loop ring in its beak, standing 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, all inlaid in gold and silver. 12cm (4 3/4in) high.Please note this Lot is to be sold at No Reserve. 本拍品不設底價宋/明 銅錯金銀英雄雙聯瓶 Inspired by archaic bronze vessels produced during the Western Han period, this vase encapsulates a highly auspicious symbolism conveyed by the combination of eagle, ying and bear, xiong, which form the rebus for 'champion and hero'. The inlaid decoration, clearly derived from the archaic bronzes of the Warring States period, creates a demonstrable link to the revered Chinese past. Compare with a similar inlaid gold and silver bronze 'Champion' vase, 12th-15th century, illustrated in The Second Bronze Age: Later Chinese Metal Work, London, 1991, pl.35.See also a rare silver-inlaid bronze 'Champion' vase, which was sold at Bonhams London, 12 May 2016, lot 13.