Bronze Incense Burner. Elephant Shape. China, 18th Century. Marked And Signed.gu Mei

Bronze incense burner. Elephant form. China, 18th century. Marked and signed Gu Mei.
A small cast bronze incense burner, depicting an elephant carrying a young Chinese boy musician on its back, who serves as a handle for the lid. Under one of the front legs are two incised Chinese characters, "Gu Mei," meaning "Ancient Beauty," and under the lid a cast Chinese seal mark, likely a workshop or artist's signature, or perhaps a mark of appreciation or good wishes.
The metal is covered with a beautiful, natural, aged brown patina. The finishing work is meticulous, with casting imperfections smoothed and the surface carefully scraped. Note the hole in the musician's flute, which is the empty space left by a now-missing bronze pin that originally filled a casting defect. The robust and powerful style suggests a Ming dynasty origin, but this style continued into the early Qing period. Therefore, the piece can be dated to the 18th century or earlier.
Good condition, complete, no restorations, original patina. 142mm.