A Rare Bronze Incense Burner Mark and Period of Xuande

raised on a slightly splayed foot, the compressed globular body rising to a waisted neck and a slightly everted rim, the neck flanked by a pair of mythical animal mask handles incorporating a lion's mane and an elephant's trunk, the aperture of each handle formed by the curled trunk, the exterior superbly cast in high relief with two three-clawed dragons leaping ferociously with their limbs outstretched and their manes flowing amidst ruyi-shaped clouds of various sizes, the countersunk base cast with a six-character mark within a recessed rectangular panel, the bronze patinated to a warm coppery-brown colour

A French private collection.

The overall condition is quite good, with the exception of a few small patches of restoration, including one of approx. 2 cm to the right of the right handle, as well as one of approx. 1.6 cm just above the dragon on the reverse. There are some typical casting flaws, pitting, minor dents and general surface wear. The body has some slight oxidisation, especially the interior. The colour has been accurately captured in the catalogue photo.
"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."

In its decoration, the dynamic scene of dragons amidst clouds on bronze is a Xuande innovation; see a closely related example included in Gerard Tsang and Hugh Moss, Arts from the Scholar's Studio, Fung Ping Shan Museum, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1986, cat. no. 139, and another, retaining part of its original gilding, sold in these rooms, 5th October 2011, lot 1943. Its vigorous depth of casting and style is related to carved lacquer of the period.  Compare also a censer of this type, with a Xuande reign mark and possibly of the period, included in the exhibition The Second Bronze Age.  Later Chinese Metalwork, Sydney L. Moss Ltd., London, 1991, cat. no. 44.