Chinese Bronze Incense Burner Buddhas Elephants Dragons

This antique Chinese Ming Dynasty Bronze incense burner is comprised of two pieces: A top lid with a relief dragon & a cauldron comprised of buddhas, elephants, chop marks, and tripod (3) feet. The Emperor, Hsuan-te mark &reign period Xuande (1425-1465) on the bottom of the incense burner. The top lid: The magnificent gold gilt relief dragon head with open mouth allowing for incense smoke release. His amazing gold gilt relief body and feet rest above symbolic repeating etched swirling patterns. The outside and inside of the lid has patina and oxidation. The top lid dimensions are approximately 2 inches high by 3 inches wide. The cauldron: Near the top lid a repeating pattern of circles. Two gold gilt lion faces on either side symbolize royalty, sovereignty, & protection. Two chop marks of gold gilt within a circle are in between the lion faces. There are eight instances of eight gold gilt buddhas totaling 32 buddhas on the outside. Each buddha is sitting on a pedestal, with hands holding a flaming jewel that represents the value of his teachings.