A BRONZE INCENSE BURNER, GUI LATE MING / QING DYNASTY, NEITAN JIAOSHE MARK

of archaistic gui form, finely cast with a compressed globular body supported on a short splayed foot rising to a waisted neck and flared mouthrim, the shoulders set with a pair of loop handles, the base crisply cast with a recessed square panel enclosing a four-character Neitan Jiaoshe mark, the patina of a reddish brown tone with caramel-coloured flecks

There is expected surface scratching and occasional pitting consistent with age, otherwise in very good overall 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 Neitan Jiaoshe mark refers to the altar to Heaven and Earth within the inner walls of the Temple of Heaven, for which this finely cast imperial bronze incense burner was made. A closely related bronze incense burner of similar gui form in the Palace Museum, Beijing, is illustrated in Classics of the Forbidden City. Splendors from the Yongle and Xuande Reigns of China's Ming Dynasty, Beijing, 2012, p. 262, pl. 142.