A BRONZE CYLINDRICAL INCENSE BURNER AND RETICULATED COVER LATE MING / EARLY QING DYNASTY

the deep bowl raised on a tall straight foot, rising to a gently everted rim, intricately cast around the exterior with elongated petal panels reserved on a finely ribbed ground and set with two mythical beast-handles, the beaked animals with caparisonned foreheads and swirling mane, joined to each other by a ribbed strap band, the foot with pendent lappets, the domed cover reticulated with two dragons writhing among clouds, between trefoils on the rim and a raised circular knob, the latter inscribed with a six-character Xuande mark within a recessed panel and the base cast with a coiled dragon forming a medallion in relief

Acquired at Portobello Road Antiques Market, London, 1980s.

There are a few expected dents and nicks consistent with age and the type but overall the incense burner is in very good overall condition. The decoration is finely cast and the bronze of attractive golden brown colour.
"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."

For another incense burner of this form in the Empress Eugénie Chinese Museum at Fontainebleau, with similar decoration of phoenix cover and simulated chain around the body, signed by the supervisor and dated to 1430, see Le Musée chinois de l'impératrice Eugénie, Paris, 1994, pl. 33. Compare also an example from the Water, Pine and Stone Retreat collection, sold in these rooms, 8th April 2014, lot 213, differing from the current example in terms of the treatment of the openwork cover, decorated with cranes amidst clouds, and the positioning of the mark in a vertical column on the main body.