A LARGE GILT-SPLASHED BRONZE CENSER 17TH / 18TH CENTURY

of archaistic gui form flanked by a pair of abstract mythical-beast handles, finely cast around the exterior with two bold taotie masks on a leiwen ground, each centered by a notched vertical flange, the high foot with a band of highly stylized S-shaped kuilong on a leiwen ground, the base with a twelve-character mark reading Xuande ernian Zhou Yi wei Xiuhuang zhuren zhi (made by Zhou Yi for the master of Xiuhuang in the second year of Xuande)

Collection of Victoria Dreyfus (1881-1976), Madrey Farm, Brewster, New York.
Sotheby Parke Bernet, New York, 9th-12th June 1976, lot 7. 

The censer is in overall good condition. Both handles have been reinforced - one with a single metal pin, the other with two metal pins. There are three small patches to the base. There is an inscribed collection inventory number on the base reading "60 - 2135300". The surface with small nicks and wear consistent with age and use.
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.

See a closely related censer of this type, bearing the same mark, sold at Christie's New York, 17th March 2017, lot 1041; further examples sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 10th April 2006, lot 1701; and at Christie's New York, 22nd March 1999, lot 76.