明末 / 清初 銅海水瑞獸紋螭龍耳薰爐

of archaistic gui form, the compressed barrel-shaped body supported on a recessed circular foot enclosed within a protruding circular footrim, the slightly convex cover cast with an intricate pierced design of various mythical beasts, including a three-clawed dragon and a qilin, set against a ground of stylised waves and clouds, the exterior of the vessel cast at the shoulder with a narrow band of stylised lotus scroll set between raised beads, and a base design of stylised lotus petals, flanked at the shoulders by a pair of chilong loop handles, the base cast with an apocryphal Xuande six-character mark in kaishu within a recessed, rectangular cartouche

Good condition, with minor surface wear to the body. Please note the patina is slightly darker than in the catalogue photo.
"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."

It is rare to find an incense burner of this form,  preserved with its original cover and cast with an apocryphal Xuande mark, where the handles are not the ubiquitous taotie.  In the current vessel, the creature depicted appears to be a chilong, where the head is at the tip of the body, facing inwards, gripping the vessel in its jaws, rather than facing downwards, as customary for taotie handles. The design of the animals on the cover is particularly striking and unusual.