A RARE SILVER SPHERICAL INCENSE BURNER TANG DYNASTY, 7TH/8TH CENTURY

comprised of two reticulated hemispheres joined on one side by a hook and a hinge on the other side, the overall reticulated decoration of birds among scrolling vine on one half and flowering scrolls on the other half arranged into four symmetrical sections around a four-petalled flowerhead at the axis, the interior fitted with a yellow-metal hemispherical incense receptacle suspended in a nest of two silver bands to keep it upright when the piece is carried around, all suspended from a linked chain and hook

Chinese Gold and Silver in the Carl Kempe Collection, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., 1954-55, cat. no. 96.

Chinese Gold, Silver and Porcelain. The Kempe Collection, Asia House Gallery, New York, 1971, cat. no. 44, an exhibition touring the United States and shown also at nine other museums.

Bo Gyllensvärd, Chinese Gold and Silver in the Carl Kempe Collection, Stockholm, 1953, pl. 96.

Bo Gyllensvärd, 'T'ang Gold and Silver', Bulletin of the Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities, no. 29, 1957, pl. 5d, fig. 11b.

Han Wei, Hai nei wai Tangdai jin yin qi cuibian [Tang Gold and Silver in Chinese and overseas collections], Xi'an, 1989, pl. 293.

Chinese Gold and Silver in the Carl Kempe Collection, The Museum of Art and Far Eastern Antiquities in Ulricehamn, Ulricehamn, 1999, pl. 98.

 

 

 

 

Slight denting to cage particularly around finial, hook clasp at equator lost, surface has been cleaned but engraved detail is good, interior frame broken at pinned junction, otherwise joints operate with some limits to movement, receptical encrusted with malachite and dirt.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

See the discussion of the companion incense burner, lot 56.