A Bronze ‘Alms Bowl’ Incense Burner Cast Mark and Period of Yongzheng

cast in the form of a Buddhist alms bowl, of circular form with a lipped rim and gently curved body supported on a flat, circular base with pronounced footrim, the base cast in intaglio with the six-character mark within a recessed rectangular panel, wood stand

As visible in the catalogue photo, there is general surface wear and scratching to the body. The patina is a slightly darker colour in reality.
"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."

Yongzheng reign-marked bronze vessels are extremely rare, and only a small number is recorded. For other examples sold at auction, see a rectangular bronze incense burner of fangding form from the collection of Soame Jenyns, sold at Christie’s London, 12th July 2005, lot 47, and again at Christie’s Hong Kong, 1st June 2011, lot 3619; a tripod incense burner from the collection of Ronald Longsdorf, sold at Christie’s New York, 15th-16th September 2011, lot 1160; and a gui-shaped incense burner sold at Bonham's San Francisco, 13th December 2010, lot 5146.

For another rare example of a bronze ‘alms bowl’ incense burner, see a gold-splashed example from the Water, Pine and Stone Retreat Collection, sold in these rooms, 8th April 2013, lot 117.  It was slightly larger than the current example, and inscribed with the mark baoyong (‘for treasured use’).