明末己巳年（隆慶三年或崇禎二年） 銅李鐵拐鈕蓋朝冠耳三足爐

of compressed globular form raised on three baluster feet, set with two 'S'-shaped handles pierced with trefoil, the interior cast with an eight-character inscription dated to the jisi year (possibly in accordance with 1569 or 1629), the cover surmounted by a large figural knob in the form of Li Tieguai, the bearded immortal seated on a rock holding his clutch in the right hand and carrying a double gourd on its back, the bronze patinated to a rich brown colour

Jonathan Bennett Antiques，倫敦，1990年代

The incense burner is in overall good condition. There is wear and pitting to the flat rim of the vessel, an old chip the top edge of one handle, expected surface wear and small dents consistent with age. There is an old minute chip to the tip end of the left billowing sleeve of the seated immortal, some expected nicks or minute dents along the edge if the cover.
"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 unusual incense burner is surmounted by Li Tieguai, one of the Eight Immortals, who descends to earth in the form of a beggar to fight for the oppressed and needy. He is often portrayed as an ugly old man with dirty face, scraggy beard, messy hair held by a golden band, and walks with the aid of an iron clutch and often with a double gourd slung over his shoulder. A vapour cloud would emanate from his gourd bottle which was said to contain his soul; hence the smoke coming from the censer would have been particularly appropriate to the decoration of this piece. 

Daoism peaked in the Ming dynasty under the Jiajing Emperor which saw the rise of the use of Daoist imagery on porcelain and works of art and continued to remain popular. Compare a bronze double-gourd vase decorated with a figure of Li Tieguai in the round, attributed to the 18th century, offered at Christie's Hong Kong, 31st May 2010, lot 2073.