晚明 銅錯金銀「五子登科圖」三足香爐 《吳興盧次洲製》款

of archaistic lian form, the slightly flared cylindrical body supported on three scroll feet, the exterior cast in relief with a continuous scene of a garden, with a cock, hen and four chicks depicted between a willow tree and a rocky outcrop, alongside two confronting cocks about to fight each other, the rocky outcrop with cockscomb, begonia and other flowers and a group of four birds, possibly sparrows, depicted frolicking in mid-air while a fifth, perched on a branch of the willow looks down at them, with floral motifs engraved in the flat ground, details picked out in gold and silver, the neck-rim, a rim around the base and the outer surface of the feet all gilt, the base with a square cartouche engraved in zhuanshu with a six-character mark Wuxing Lü Cizhou zhi (‘Made by Lü Cizhou of Wuxing’)

There are several small dents to the underside of the vessel, minor bruises to the tips of the feet, and other surface wear to the body and rubbing to the gilding, but overall is in good condition. Please note that the patina is slightly darker than illustrated 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."

Hu Wenming of Yunjian is the most prominent of the metalsmiths recorded in the late Ming period, but there are several other individual artists with their own distinct and technically accomplished style, renowned for catering to the same demand for scholarly treasures for the studio, principally incense burners.  According to the mark, this incense burner was created by Lü Cizhou, who came from Wuxing in Huzhou, a place famous for the manufacture of brushes and silk.