十七世紀 銅仙人騎驢熏爐

well-cast as a caparisoned mule with long pointed ears and a knotted tail, standing with one foreleg forward and slightly raised, its head turned and lowered towards the ground, its back fitted with a detachable cover cast with a bearded scholar wearing long robes and a broad -rimmed hat, the figure turning to one side and gazing down at an open book held in one hand, a cloud-shaped aperture at the back (2)

購於芝加哥，約1994年

The figure's hand is loose and there are traces of adhesive on the inside. There is a pin in the figure's stomach. There is a minor casting flaw on the rear of the saddle. There are traces of lacquer on both horse and rider, some light signs of use. The lot appears to be in good overall condition.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Depictions of the famous Tang dynasty poet and scholar Du Fu on mule-back most likely derive from his own work. Several of his poems allude to the mule, or 'old nag' as a metaphor for the life of the scholar official; traveling from post to post, tired and hungry, often along dangerous roads (a reference to the dangerous intrigues of court life). 

For a similar figural censer see The Second Bronze Age: Later Chinese Metalwork, Sydney L. Moss Ltd., London, 1991, no.22.