A GOLD-SPLASHED BRONZE CENSER AND STAND MING DYNASTY, 17TH CENTURY

of archaic li ding form, the globular vessel rising from three short tapering feet to an everted rim, set at the shoulder with a pair of 'F'-shaped handles, the metal patinated to variegated tones of brown with irregular gold splashes, the base cast with a crisply cast six-character apocryphal Xuande mark within a recessed rectangle, the original gold-splashed 'lotus' stand raised on three short ruyi feet

The overall condition is good with light wear and minor surface dents consistent with age.
"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."

While bronze censers of this type are well known from important collections, it is rare to find examples with their matching stand. The gold-splashed decoration on this censer is especially rich, suggesting that it was made with no cost spared and for the table of a high-ranking official or an important scholar-literati. The stand, in the form of a lotus leaf with elegant curves, adds an element of softness to the overall object and highlights the solidity and weight of the vessel. It is as if the censer is being carried on a floating lotus leaf.

Compare a gold-splashed censer of closely related form but lacking its stand, also with a four-character Xuande mark on its base, sold at Christie's London, 11th July 1977, lot 31; a tripod censer of compressed globular body with a stand of similar lotus-leaf form sold at Christie's New York, 26th July 2010, lot 1329; and another small globular censer with gold-splashed decoration sold at Christie's London, 19th December 1980, lot 165.