A GILT-SPLASHED AND RED-LACQUERED BRONZE CENSER MING DYNASTY, 17TH CENTURY

the bombé sides rising from a splayed foot to a gently flared rim, set with a two loop handles, the bronze patinated to a rich coppery-brown colour blotted with gilt splashes and red lacquer resembling cuprite encrustation, the base cast with a six-character Xuande mark in relief within a recessed panel

There are some typical dents along the rim's edges and wear commensurated with age on the surface, but overall the censer is in very good condition.
"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."

Censers of this type are known in various sizes; compare larger examples also with an apocryphal Xuande mark on the base such as one sold in our New York rooms, 9^th/10^th October 1987, lot 132; another sold in our London rooms, 5^th June 1981, lot 47; and a third sold at Christie’s London, 6^th November 2012, lot 166.