明十六／十七世紀 青銅仿古紋圓筒形器

《大明宣德年製》仿款

繭山龍泉堂，東京，1970年9月
J.J. Lally & Co，紐約，1990年4月

The overall condition is very good.
"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."

Cicadas in traditional Chinese folklore are symbols of fertility, immortality and resurrection. Jade cicadas have been unearthed from Han dynasty tombs, where they were placed in the deceased mouth to protect and lead the body in its after-life. The cicada motif can be found on archaic bronze vessels of the Shang and Zhou periods, where they may also be interpreted as a natural symbol. See Sarah Allan, The Shape of the Turtle: Myth, Art and Cosmos in Early China, Albany, 1991, p. 166.

Six archaic bronze ding decorated with the cicada motif were discovered in the tomb of Fu Hao, consort of King Wu Ding (1324-1265 B.C.) at Anyang in Henan province, the only undisturbed royal tomb of the Shang so far discovered; see Tomb of Lady Hao at Yinxu in Anyang, Beijing, 1980, pls. 6 and 7, and a line drawing on p. 39, fig. 26:1. Compare also a Western Zhou period ding, from the collection of Edward T. Chow, sold in our London rooms, 16th December 1980, lot 342.

A parcel-gilt bronze vessel of similar cylindrical form, described as traditionally used as holder of the pair of chain-linked metal chopsticks used to handle the burning sandalwood, and the matching spoon or spatula that was used to shape the pile of ash, is illustrated in The Second Bronze Age. Later Chinese Metalwork, London, 1991, pl. 93, together with three other incense tool vases of rouleau form, pls. 94-96.

The engraved decoration on the present vessel is reminiscent of that seen on blue-and-white Jiajing mark and period stemcups; for example, see one from the Winkworth collection sold in our London rooms, 13th June 1989, lot 215; and another sold at Christie's London, 13th December 1982, lot 487.