清十七 / 十八世紀 銅雙戟耳彝爐

finely cast of archaistic yilu form, rising to a waisted neck and slightly everted mouthrim, flanked by a pair of handles cast in the form of stylised halberd, the countersunk base cast with an apocryphal six-character reign mark within a recessed panel, the bronze patinated to a warm copper-brown colour

There is evidence of soldering to the interior of the vessel where the left handle has been reattached or stabilised in antiquity, possibly in the original casting process. Minor surface wear
"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."

For a similar incense burner illustrated in the Xuande yiqi tupu, see Zhongguo Shudian Chuban She, Beijing, 2006, p. 246. A closely related example in the Metropolitan Museum, New York, bequested by Mrs H.O. Havemeyer in 1929, cast with fish handles and similar apocryphal Xuande mark, is illustrated online, accession number 29.100.547.