A 'YAOZHOU' FIVE-LEGGED CENSER FIVE DYNASTIES / NORTHERN SONG DYNASTY

well-potted, of cylindrical form, the steep sides rising to a wide outcurved rim, supported on five well-articulated lion-mask cabriole-form legs terminating in paw feet, covered overall with a gray-green glaze, the interior partially unglazed

There is restoration to a few shallow rim frits. The surface is abraded from age and erosion, particularly on the exterior rim and the vessel has been cleaned and polished.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

For a similar example of a censer see Excavations of the Five Dynasties Period Kiln Site at Huangpu in Tongchuan, Shaanxi, Beijing, 1997, pl. LXIII, nos. 5,6. A related censer with carved decoration, dated to the Song dynasty, is illustrated in The Masterpieces of Yaozhou Ware, The Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Osaka, 1997, cat. no. 79.