THREE BRONZE TRIPOD CENSERS

the first of compressed globular form, supported on elephant-head legs, the cover surmounted by a lion finial surrounded by eight trigram apertures; the second of bowl shape with pierced cover and mallow flower-form stand; the third with strap handles and apocryphal Xuande mark on base (6)

Gift of Mrs. John Gardner Coolidge (d. 1962) for the John Gardner Coolidge Collection, Boston (accession nos 52.303, 52.296 and 63.155 respectively).

All three pieces in the lot have been polished, the surfaces are slightly stained, and there are scattered patches of encrustation. There are traces of metal polish in the crevices. There are accession numbers which have been crossed out written in the cover and base of the censer with the lion finial and on the base of the compressed tripod censer. Overall the lot appears to be in good condition. Please note that the mallow-flower form stand fits the bowl-shaped censer with the cover, although it is pictured with the compressed censer in the catalogue.
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.