A BRONZE INCENSE BURNER, LIDING MING DYNASTY

of archaistic liding form, the compressed globular body supported on three short tapering feet, the slightly flared mouthrim surmounted by a pair of arched handles, the base cast with a recessed rectangular panel enclosing an inscription reading Da Ming Xuande wunian jiandugong bu guanchen Wu Bangzuo Zao (‘Made for the Board of Works under the Supervision of Wu Bangzuo in the Fifth Year of Xuande’), the patinated bronze surface of a warm caramel-brown colour

Dr R.O. Wheeler, Marlborough, England, 1970s.
Brian Harkins Oriental Art, London, 1980s.

There are minor dents to the underside and to the tips of the feet. Other general surface wear, but overall 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."

The inscription is one of a series of apocryphal ones stating that Wu Bangzuo, the Minister of the Ministry of Works in the 5th year of Xuande, supervised production which tend to appear on late Ming and Qing incense burners.  Whether or not such an inscription appeared on any Xuande period bronzes is unclear, as there do not appear to be any credible extant examples, but it became a standard late Ming or Qing designation.  For a related example, see Paul Moss and Gerard Hawthorn, The Second Bronze Age. Later Chinese Metalwork. Sydney Moss Ltd., London, 1991, cat. no. 46. See also a bronze incense burner stand with this inscription from the Water, Pine and Stone Retreat Collection, sold in these rooms, 8th April 2014, lot 243.

Ulrich Hausmann is of the opinion that this censer is early Ming Dynasty, and possibly even of the Xuande period.