明末 / 清初 鎏金銅天雞紋周鼎式爐

of archaistic ding form, the compressed hemispherical bowl surmounted by a pair of inverted 'U'-shaped handles, supported on three long curved legs cast in the shape of stylised birds with curved beaks, possibly based on owls, the exterior of the bowl cast with six raised flanges separating six panels of additional birds in relief, paired to confront each other, set against a ground of leiwen adjusted to fit the relief design, the panels slightly raised and framed with raised line borders

倫敦 Gerard Hawthorn Ltd.，1998年11月

Minor surface wear and rubbing to the gilding, especially at the handles and feet.
"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."

This richly gilded incense burner closely follows the form of ancient bronze ding vessels that would have been available as prototypes in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties.  For a Western Zhou example from the Qing Court Collection with closely related bird-form feet, still in the Palace Museum, Beijing, see Bronzes in the Palace Museum, Beijing, 1999, pl. 86.  For an example of a late Shang dynasty bronze fangding, its legs cast as birds standing on their long tails, see Ancient Chinese Bronzes from the Stoclet and Wessen Collections, Eskenazi London, 1975, cat. no. 2.

A larger incense burner of similar form without gilding from the Water, Pine and Stone Retreat Collection was sold in these rooms, 4th April 2012, lot 155. See also an additional example sold in our New York rooms, 17th March 2009, lot 76.