明宣德 鎏金銅麒麟水滴 《大明宣德年製》款

the recumbent mythical beast cast with the face of a dragon, antlers of a ram, body of a deer covered in fish scales, thin legs with hooved feet tucked under the body, and the mane and tail of a lion, the sides of the body emblazoned with flame-like wings, the hollow body set with a small circular opening on the back and another aperature in the mouth, the underside cast with a vertical six-character reign mark in a cartouche

The overall condition is very good with only some minor rubbing and loss to the gilding.
"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."

Xuande reign-marked water droppers are extremely rare, and no other example appears to have been published. However, the depiction of the well-cast ferocious facial expression, finely combed-effect of the whorls of its mane and its powerful horns can be compared to the dragons on a Xuande bronze censer, also with a reign mark and of the period, included in the Oriental Ceramic Society of Hong Kong exhibition Arts from the Scholar's Studio, Fung Ping Shan Museum, Hong Kong, 1986, cat. no. 139.

The rigid spine, prominent archaistic features and the almost deliberate dramatic quality of the present piece are characteristic of early Ming sculpture and recall the stone sculpture lining the spirit road of the Ming Tombs near Beijing, such as a qilin, depicted in a similar pose on a ceremonial archway, in situ at the Valley of the Ming Tombs, Beijing, illustrated in Ann Paludan, The Chinese Spirit Road, New Haven, 1991, pl. 220.

For a water dropper in the form of a mythical animal attributed to the Ming period, see one included ibid., cat. no. 208; and another sold at Christie's London, 20th/21st June 1984, lot 353. Compare also slightly later incense burners of similar qilin form, but with one horn on its head; such as one cast in a similar kneeling position sold at Christie's London, 14th/16th December 1983, lot 326; and a standing version sold at Christie's London, 8th June 1993, lot 140.