清十九世紀 銅描金饕餮紋鼎

of archaistic form, the compressed globular body supported on three splayed legs, the sides decorated with two taotie masks below a geometric border around the rim and on the upright handles, and above cicada blades on each leg

There is a small loss to the gold-foil decoration on the body. As expected with pieces of this type and age, there are minor nicks along the edges, some minor shallow indentations on the surface, a small casting flaw on the mouth lip and a small patch of encrustation in the interior. The censer 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.

See a closely related miniature gold tripod censer, but with straight legs, sold in these rooms, 19th-20th March 2013, lot 342.