明末 / 清初 銅鏤空雲龍紋蓮瓣式熏爐 《大明宣德年製》仿款

the deep bowl raised on a tall straight foot, rising to a gently everted rim, intricately cast around the exterior with elongated petal panels reserved on a finely ribbed ground and set with two mythical beast-handles, the beaked animals with caparisonned foreheads and swirling mane, joined to each other by a ribbed strap band, the foot with pendent lappets, the domed cover reticulated with two dragons writhing among clouds, between trefoils on the rim and a raised circular knob, the latter inscribed with a six-character Xuande mark within a recessed panel and the base cast with a coiled dragon forming a medallion in relief

購於波多貝羅古董市集，倫敦，1980年代

There are a few expected dents and nicks consistent with age and the type but overall the incense burner is in very good overall condition. The decoration is finely cast and the bronze of attractive golden brown colour.
"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."

一與之相似鳳凰紋蓋香爐例，紀年1430，藏於楓丹白露中國館，錄於《Le Musée chinois de l’impératrice Eugénie》，巴黎，1994年，圖版33。另有一例可與之相較，水松石山房舊藏，售於香港蘇富比，2014年4月8日，編號213，與本品不同，其蓋飾鏤空祥雲瑞鶴紋，並於器身中部見《大明宣德年製》直款。