A PARCEL-GILT BRONZE WARMER AND COVER MING DYNASTY, 17TH CENTURY

of oval section set with a bail handle, the coppery-coloured bronze cast in low relief and parcel-gilt around the body with a continuous scene of the 'Hundred Boys' at play, with five of the boys performing dances around a Buddhist lion, while four others on the reverse pretend to be an official and attendants, one riding a hobby horse surrounded by three others carrying a banner, a fan or a lotus-leaf umbrella, the sides similarly detailed with boys engaged in various games, the cover reticulated with a small group trying to catch an official's cap one of their friend holds aloft, in front of a pavilion below a lofty paulownia tree, the base incised with a six-character Yunjian Hu Wenming zhi ('Made by Hu Wenming of Yunjian') mark within a gilt square panel

Christie's Hong Kong, 1st December 2009, lot 1967.

There is some wear to the patina, typical minor dents and rubbing to the gilding, but overall the warmer is in quite 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."