A group of five miniature bronze vessels, Yuan - Qing dynasty

Double-ribbed baluster vase:

The Krenz Collection.

Acquired in Berlin, circa 1995.

Garlic-mouth vase: Acquired in London in the late 1970s.

Tripod vase: Grays Mews, London, circa 1995.

Miniature vases of this charming size and rich patina from years of handling were treasured throughout much of the Ming and Qing dynasties and were displayed by scholar-officials and emperors alike in compartmented cabinets (duobaoge) and admired with friends in literati meetings.