A LARGE BRONZE 'LAOZI AND BUFFALO' INCENSE BURNER AND COVER LATE MING DYNASTY

the massively cast figure with a detachable cover, sturdily cast in the form of the sage seated with the right hand resting on the right knee, the expression depicted sombre and meditative, dressed in long loose robes cascading in folds around the exposed shoe, the mouth and back pierced through with apertures, fitted to the back of the hollow buffalo with a pin, the beast depicted strenuously moving forward, the head detailed with a well pronounced snout below a tuft of hair flanked by a pair of long curved striated horns, the patina of an even dark brown colour

Albert Bang Antiques, Paris, 1990s.

The incense burner is in overall good condition except for expected surface wear and minor nicks to the extremities and shallow dents to the surface. There is malachite encrustation to the interior of the cover.
"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."

A closely related bronze incense burner, cast in the form of Laozi riding a buffalo and inscribed with a cyclical date corresponding to 1629 or 1689, was included in the exhibition Between Heaven and Earth. Secular and Divine Figural Images in Chinese Paintings and Objects, Sydney L. Moss, London, 1988, cat. no. 38; another was sold in these rooms, 17th May 1989, lot 443; and a third from the collection of Eileen Bamberger, was sold in our New York rooms, 1st June 1994, lot 451. Laozi is one of the most revered immortals of Daoism, credited with the writing of the Daodejing [The classic of the Way and its power]. Depictions of Laozi riding an ox are numerous, as according to legend he was riding an ox on his way to the West, when he was asked by the keeper of the Hangu Mountain pass to write down his teachings.