A BRONZE CENSER 17TH CENTURY

the compressed globular body rising from a short foot to a gently flared rim, flanked at the shoulders by a pair of mythical beast handles, the base with an apocryphal six-character Xuande mark in a recessed rectangle

There is a crack (approx 5cm) running vertically from one handle to the footrim. The patination has been cleaned, leaving an inconsistent finish. There are also some minor nicks to the rim and minor scratches to the surface throughout.
"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."

See a bronze censer of related form from the National Museum of History, Taipei, included in the exhibition Guan cang ya diao ji Ming Qing tong lu te zhan. Rekishi Hakubutsukan korekushon zōge chōkoku oyobi Min Shin dōro shōrai tokuten, Kumamote City Museum, Kumamote, 1997, cat. no. 245.