A 'YAOZHOU' GREEN-GLAZED TRIPOD INCENSE BURNER YUAN DYNASTY

set to the rim with a pair of upright handles, above two mythical beast masks, each biting on a scaly fish, divided by raised foliate scrolls and small florets around the neck, the shoulder with a pair of mask handles suspending fixed rings, all supported on three short legs issuing from animal masks, covered overall save for the feet with a transparent olive-green glaze

One side of the mouthrim has been slightly touched up, probably to conceal some frittings. All three feet have been restored with overpaint. There are further firing imperfections such as minor fritting to the extremities and glaze crackles.
"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."

Incense burners of this form and crisply moulded with monster mask handles are unusual. Moulded tripod incense burners were produced at the Longquan kilns in Zhejiang province, such as an incense burner attributed to the Yuan dynasty, from the collection of Edward T. Chow, sold in these rooms, 3rd May 1995, lot 19. The fish-dragon handles on this piece are also reminiscent of those found on Longquan vases that were made in the Song dynasty; see for example a mallet-shaped vase in the Tokugawa Art Museum, Nagoya, included in the exhibition Heavenly Blue. Southern Song Celadon, Nezu Museum, Tokyo, 2010, cat. no. 23.